Abstract:
An effective project manager is the cornerstone in any successful project. The three parties involved in design and execution (owner - architect/engineer - contractor) are always looking for effective project managers in order to successfully deliver projects. However, the opinions about the qualitative skills that are evidenced by successful project managers are subjective. The purpose of this study was to identify the most important skills of successful project managers as perceived by the major stakeholders in the Pakistani construction industry. A questionnaire was circulated among owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, architect/ engineers and construction managers wherein they were asked to give importance rating to twenty skills usually required in a project manager. A secondary objective of the study was to examine the relative difference in the importance of the skills in relation to various levels of project complexity. It is expected that the study will allow each sector in the industry to look for project managers that suit their particular needs i.e. will aid in the selection of the most appropriately qualified personnel as project managers. Results indicated that except for stakeholders in the high complexity project arena, all industry agents jointly recognize time management, decision making, communication, and leadership and motivation as amongst the top five skills. Financial management, risk taking, and ability to follow up have been assessed as the least important skills required by project managers. For high level of complexity projects, creativity, organizing and technical knowledge are considered as the most important skills. It is emphasized that the rankings of the importance of skills can be a guide in the training of project managers both at the undergraduate or postgraduate levels and post qualification. They can also be used as a yardstick in appointing/selecting a would-be project manager during interview and final selection.
Page(s):
221-234
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Proceedings of International Conference on Construction in Developing Countries , Volume: 4, Issue: 5, Year: 2008