Improving the management of international development projects
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business
ISSN: 1753-8378
Article publication date: 30 July 2019
Issue publication date: 15 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the quintessential methodology of the international development (ID) projects, the logical framework approach (LFA), to find out which changes are required to increase the level of effectiveness of these projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This research presents a thorough review of literature relating to the evolution of the LFA. This theoretical analysis formed the basis for a closed-ended questionnaire on the methodology and how it could be improved, from which the responses of 56 project managers experienced in the LFA were collected. Data were statistically analyzed through correlation matrix and ANOVA analysis by SPSS software. The questionnaire included a last open-ended question where professionals suggested how they would develop the methodology, opening a new path to effectiveness through participative approaches.
Findings
The research reveals that the LFA needs to be improved, and points to the next steps in the evolution of this mature methodology. An interesting insight is that although some suggestions are broadly accepted, such as the integration of risk management, other proposals could be open to further discussion depending on the organization.
Research limitations/implications
The main weakness is related to the sample, which is reduced to 56 project managers from the same country (Spain).
Originality/value
Since interventions for development are made by practitioners, considering their suggestions to improve the LFA is a major step to enhance the management of ID projects.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Conflict of interest: There is no conflict of interest. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. Notwithstanding this, the authors would like to thank all for their contribution to this study and their efforts to improve the situation of the millions of people throughout the world.
Citation
Rodríguez-Rivero, R., Ortiz-Marcos, I., Ballesteros-Sánchez, L. and Sánchez, M.J. (2021), "Improving the management of international development projects", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 253-269. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-03-2019-0057
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited