International Project Strategies to Reduce the Negative Impact of Triple Constraints

By Dr Syreeta S Bond

While working in globalized economies, project managers are constantly bombarded with issues often not scoped or planned into the project, thus forcing adaptation, quick thinking, and creativity with a solid project management foundation. This study's academic research and findings will provide project managers with the tools and techniques to m

• Language: English
• Publisher: BGC, Inc
• Release date: Jan 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798218132125

Dr Syreeta S Bond

Dr. Bond's career spans 20 years as an in-demand expert in the project management industry working with top-tier brands like Apple, Inc and Barclays Bank. She has also served as the VP of Technology for the Project Management Institute (PMI) Los Angeles Chapter board of directors and as Assistant VP of Marketing for the Project Management Institute UAE Khaleeji Chapter in Dubai. Dr. Bond also served as Chapter President for the National Society of Leadership & Success. Dr. Bond earned her Doctorate Business Administration from Walden University where her study is published on Google Scholar. She earned her Masters of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management (Magna Cum Laude) with a concentration in Project Management, her PMP global certification from the Project Management Institute, and lastly her undergraduate degree in Fashion Design and Retail Management from the Art Institute of Atlanta. Dr. Bond is the Founder & Creator of Edgy Opulence Lifestyle Branding Co -a consulting firm that offers a wide range of consulting services with the necessary tools and expertise to help grow your business. We partner with our global clients from start to finish, focusing on their needs while producing new ideas, developing effective strategies and designing high quality and scalable solutions. She also shared her knowledge on social media with her IGTV series Syreeta's Project Management Tips which provides new and seasoned PMs the confidence, motivation, and drive to keep moving forward in their careers. Lastly, Dr. Bond is the owner and designer of Lipstick Killers Collection, a line designed for the fierce and fearless, a risk-taker, and hustler.  It's a chic-punk line that let's the world know that women are not afraid to show their true selves inside and out. LKC accessories are all shipped from the USA with the current clothing collection featuring tees, tops, and skirts shipped sustainable and local. Because LKC is a sustainable company, they vow to offset their carbon footprint and give back to the earth.

Book preview

Dr. Syreeta S. Bond DBA, PMP

International Project Strategies to Reduce the Negative Impact of Triple Constraints

First published by Walden University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing 2022

Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Syreeta S. Bond DBA, PMP

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

Dr. Syreeta S. Bond DBA, PMP asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Dr. Syreeta S. Bond DBA, PMP has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

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Dedication

I dedicate this study to project managers who work on global projects. These global project managers are a rare breed of project managers who deal with the most complex projects in the world. I share your passion and your drive. Thank you for continuing to make the world better. I also dedicate this study to my daughter Estefani Sahara Bond. I was pregnant with her during my last year of study and held her in my arms throughout writing Section 3. She kept me motivated and busy.

Contents

Acknowledgement

International Development Project Strategies to Reduce the Negative Impact of Triple Constraints

Walden University

Abstract

I. PART ONE

1. Background of the Problem

2. Problem and Purpose

3. Population and Sampling

4. Nature of the Study

5. Research Question & Interview Questions

6. Conceptual Framework

Figure 1

7. Operational Definitions

8. Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations

Assumptions

Limitations

Delimitations

9. Significance of the Study

10. A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature

Table 1

Purpose of Study

Theory of Constraints Overview

Theory of Constraints Thinking Processes

Project Management Methodology

Triple Constraint Challenges

Strategies Based on the Theory of Constraints

Strategies Based on Project Management Principles

Benefits of Theory of Constraints Implementation

Summary

Transition

II. THE PROJECT

11. Purpose Statement

12. Role of the Researcher

13. Participants

14. Research Method and Design

Research Method

Research Design

15. Ethical Research

16. Data Collection Instruments

17. Data Collection Technique

18. Data Organization Technique

19. Data Analysis

20. Reliability and Validity

Reliability

Dependability

Validity

Credibility

Transferability

Confirmability

Data Saturation

21. Transition and Summary

III. APPLICATION TO PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CHANGE

22. Introduction

23. Presentation of the Findings

Table 2

24. Theme 1: Scope Management

Collect and Define Requirements, Then Control the Scope in Detail

Educate Yourself on Environmental Factors

Relationship to Conceptual Framework

25. Theme 2: Stakeholder Management

Identify Key Stakeholders, Build the Relationship, and Prepare for Culture Differences

Clear Communications and Project Status Transparency Are Paramount

Relationship to Conceptual Framework

26. Theme 3: Project Planning

Take as Much Time as Needed to Plan Correctly

Create a Transition Plan With a Focus on Process Improvement

Relationship to Conceptual Framework

27. Applications to Professional Practice

28. Implications for Social Change

29. Recommendations for Action

30. Recommendations for Further Research

31. Reflections

32. Conclusion

33. References

34. Appendix: Interview Protocol

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank the Most High for providing me with the resources and patience to fulfill my goal to complete my doctoral degree. I would like to thank my chair, Dr. Kenneth Gossett, for your support and guidance. I would like to thank my second committee member, Dr. Theresa Neal, for her support, guidance, and kind words throughout my study journey. I would also like to thank my URR reviewer, Jamiel Vadell, for all your support and for pushing me for greatness. My heartfelt thanks to my husband for keeping me motivated to finish. I would not have finished without you.

International Development Project Strategies to Reduce the Negative Impact of Triple Constraints

by

Syreeta S. Bond

DBA, Walden University, 2022

MBA, Keller Graduate School of Management, 2016

BA, Art Institute of Atlanta, 2013

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of

Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University

July 2022

Walden University

College of Management and Human Potential

This is to certify that the doctoral study by

Syreeta S. Bond

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,

and that any and all revisions required by

the review committee have been made.

Review Committee

Dr. Kenneth Gossett, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty

Dr. Theresa Neal, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty

Dr. Jamiel Vadell, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty

Chief Academic Officer and Provost

Sue Subocz, Ph.D.

Abstract

With the growing number of international development projects not meeting the triple constraint requirements every year, organizational leaders exceed their budgets and increase schedule delays. Some project managers lack strategies to minimize the negative impact of these constraints, resulting in projects that exceed their budgets and have more delays. Grounded in the theory of constraints, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore strategies project managers use to reduce the negative impact of the triple constraints of cost, schedule, and scope on international development projects. The participants were five project managers from five different global development companies. Data sources included semistructured interviews with participants and research articles from the Project Management Institute knowledge database. The collected data were analyzed using a five-step thematic analysis process. Three themes emerged—(a) scope management, (b) stakeholder management, and (c) project management planning—yielded six strategies for managing international development projects. The key recommendations for project managers are to manage the project scope properly, communicate with key stakeholders, and adequately plan the project and its transition. Implications for positive social change include improving project management industry practices, adapting to cultural differences, increasing business profitability, and creating a safer work environment.

I

Part One

Foundation of the Study

1

Background of the Problem

As part of their work, international development project managers must negotiate cost overruns, schedule delays, and scope changes (Yap et al., 2017). Cost, schedule, and scope, otherwise known as the triple constraints, are the most critical elements of an international development project and often cause project failure. For example, 55% of Malaysia’s construction projects were 80% or more higher in final price than initial cost estimates in 2017 (Yap et al., 2017). Similarly, 46% of Middle Eastern infrastructure projects experienced schedule delays, with only 36% of its projects completed within budget, in 2015 (Isharyanto et al., 2015). Negative impacts associated with the triple constraints of cost, schedule, and scope can lead to even more drastic results, such as the $16 Million PlayPump project in Africa, which bankrupted the charitable organization behind the project (Donnelly & Ika, 2017).

Due to the complexity, importance, and specificities of international development projects, further research is necessary to improve business strategy (Carral et al., 2018; Corti et al., 2017; Golini et al., 2018). Project managers worldwide continue to implement various strategies to