PROJECT MANAGEMENT LANDSCAPE IN RWANDA

White Paper

Written and compiled by Nadine Marie Isimbi

Introduction

Project management is a crucial aspect of modern business and economic development, and its importance has only increased in recent years with the increasing complexity of projects and the need for efficient and effective delivery[3]. The success of a project is largely determined by the quality of its management, and as such, the project management landscape in Rwanda has become an important area of focus for organizations and policymakers alike.

Research Goals

In this white paper, we will examine the current state of project management in Rwanda, including its challenges, opportunities, and trends. We will also discuss the various players involved in the project management landscape and their respective roles. Finally, we will present some of the key facts and figures that provide a comprehensive understanding of the project management landscape in Rwanda.

Overview of Project Management in Rwanda.

Rwanda is a small landlocked country located in the heart of East Africa. Despite its small size, Rwanda has made significant progress in recent years in terms of economic development and has become one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. This growth has been driven by a combination of factors, including a stable political environment, favorable policies, and strong institutions[4].

One of the key drivers of Rwanda’s economic growth has been its focus on project management and the development of a robust project management landscape. The country has made significant investments in developing the necessary skills and capacities to effectively manage projects and has become a hub for project management in East Africa.

What is Project Management?

Project management is the discipline of using established principles, procedures and policies to guide a project from conception through completion [1].

This involves planning and organization of a company’s resources to move a specific task, event, or duty towards completion[2]. We have tools that help us in Project management. We have different project tool that facilitate:

➡ Planning or Scheduling

➡ Collaboration

➡ Documentation

➡ Evaluation

Good Practices of Project Management

These are some of the key principles of Project management is the process of leading a team to achieve specific goals within a specified timeline. Good project management practices are essential for ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders

When one or two principles are not done properly it affect the overall project success.

What is a Project Management Office?

A Project Management Office (PMO) is a centralized team within an organization responsible for the management, coordination, and governance of projects. The specifics of what a PMO looks like can vary greatly depending on the size and type of organization[6].

PMO TEAM responsibilities include:

➡ Developing and implementing project management methodologies, processes, and standards

➡ Providing project management support, guidance, and training to project teams Ensuring alignment of projects with organizational strategy and goals Monitoring and reporting on project performance and progress[6]

➡ A Project Management Office (PMO) is a centralized team within an organization responsible for the management, coordination, and governance of projects. The specifics of what a PMO looks like can vary greatly depending on the size and type of organization[6].

➡ Managing project resources, including budgets, schedules, and personnel Identifying and mitigating project risks and issues Managing the portfolio of projects, ensuring that the right projects are prioritized and executed efficiently[6].

In some organizations, a PMO may also be responsible for managing programs, which are collections of related projects that are managed and delivered as a whole.

Tools that are used by Project Management Office Team in Rwanda

Project management software and tools play a crucial role in the effective and efficient management of projects in Rwanda.

They provide project managers and teams with the necessary tools and resources to plan, organize, and monitor project activities, as well as collaborate and communicate with stakeholders.

Some of the most popular project management tools in Rwanda include:

Trello: It is a platform that organize task

Asana: It is a platform that organizing, tracking, and managing tasks, projects, and workflows

Microsoft Project: It is a platform that plan, execute and monitor projects

Basecamp: platform for communication, collaboration, and task management.

Slack: Platform for collaboration and communication platform

Failure and Success Rate of Project

Failure Rate of Projects globally

70% of the projects fail to deliver what was promised to customers[7].

99.9% of every dollar is wasted due to poor performance[7].

42% of the companies/NGOs do not understand why have failed[7].

Only 22% of organizations use PM software[7].

Failure and success rate of project in Rwanda

Failure Rate of Projects in Rwanda

The failure rate of projects in Rwanda is significant, and it affects the country’s progress and development. According to audit that was done on Rwanda lost Rwf 201 billion in 28 public entities and projects were delayed for a period of up to six years[6].

The primary reasons for the high failure rate are lack of proper planning, inadequate funding, poor project management, and limited technical capacity and Fraud.

Success Rate of Projects in Rwanda

Despite the high failure rate of projects in Rwanda, there have been successful projects in the country. According to the same study conducted by the Rwanda Development Board, about 40% of projects in the country achieve their objectives[8].

The factors that contribute to the success of projects in Rwanda include proper planning, adequate funding, effective project management, and sufficient technical capacity.

Cause Of Project Failure in Rwanda

Lack of proper planning is a significant contributor to project failure in Rwanda. Many projects are initiated without sufficient research and planning, which often leads to unrealistic goals and objectives.

Lack of proper planning is a significant contributor to project failure in Rwanda. Many projects are initiated without sufficient research and planning, which often leads to unrealistic goals and objectives. Poor project management also leads to the mismanagement of resources, which contributes to the inadequate funding of projects.

Limited technical capacity is also a significant factor that contributes to the failure of projects in Rwanda. Many projects require specialized technical skills to be executed effectively. However, the limited technical capacity in the country often leads to the failure of projects, as the required technical skills are not available.

Project Management Methodology

Waterfall: The Waterfall methodology is a sequential, linear approach to project management. It involves clearly defined and distinct stages, such as requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment.

Agile: The Agile methodology is an iterative, flexible approach to project management that emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to quickly adapt to changes. Agile methodologies include Scrum, Kanban, and Lean.

Scrum: Scrum is a type of Agile methodology that is used to manage complex projects. It involves regular team meetings and an adaptive approach to problem-solving.

Kanban: Kanban is a visual management tool that can be used to manage work in a variety of contexts, including software development and other types of projects. It emphasizes just- in-time delivery and visualization of work.

The Waterfall methodology is used for projects that have a defined end, while the Agile methodology is used for projects that are less defined.

Lean: Lean is a method for streamlining processes and reducing waste. It can be applied to a wide range of activities, including project management.

Six Sigma: Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to problemsolving and process improvement. It emphasizes the use of statistical analysis and quality control techniques to minimize defects and improve efficiency.

Project Management Methodologies Project management methodologies are frameworks that provide a structured approach to managing projects.

In Rwanda, the most commonly used project management methodologies are the Waterfall and Agile methodologies. The Waterfall methodology is used for projects that have a defined end and clear deliverables, while the Agile methodology is used for projects that are less defined and require a more flexible approach.

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Challenges And Opportunities In The Project Management Landscape

Challenges:

1. Limited Access to Skilled Project Management Professionals: One of the significant challenges in the project management landscape in Rwanda is the limited availability of skilled professionals. Project management is a complex discipline that requires specialized skills, knowledge, and experience. Unfortunately, the number of skilled project management professionals is limited, making it difficult for organizations to find the right talent to manage their projects.

2. Insufficient Project Management Frameworks: Another significant challenge in Rwanda’s project management landscape is the lack of a robust project management framework. While there are some project management frameworks in place, they are often insufficient or not followed strictly, leading to project delays, cost overruns, and even project failure.

3. Limited Access to Project Management Tools and Technologies: Many organizations in Rwanda still rely on manual project management processes, making it difficult to manage complex projects. Additionally, the limited availability of project management tools and technologies also hinders effective project management.

Challenges And Opportunities In The Project Management Landscape

Opportunity:

1. Growing Demand for Project Management: With the increase in project activity in Rwanda, there is a growing demand for skilled project management professionals. This presents an opportunity for individuals interested in project management to gain the necessary skills and experience to fill the talent gap.

2. Adoption of Project Management Standards: There is an opportunity for Rwanda to adopt internationally recognized project management standards and frameworks, such as PMI, Prince2, and Agile, to guide project management practices in the country. This will help organizations to standardize their project management processes and improve project success rates.

3. Digitalization and Automation of Project Management Processes: Rwanda has an opportunity to embrace digitalization and automation of project management processes, enabling organizations to manage projects more efficiently and effectively. This can be achieved through the adoption of project management tools and technologies, such as project management software, cloud-based project management platforms, and collaborative tools.