Project Management Maturity Level in The Defence Force of Zambia - A Case of Infrastructure Construction in The Zambia Air Force

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating Project Management Maturity Level of the construction directorate in the Zambia Air Force thorough assessment of Project Management processes, procedures and systems. The study adopted realism as a research philosophy and adopted both exploratory and explanatory nature of research approach. Additionally, the study employed a mixed-methods approach which combined both qualitative and quantitative data gathering methods. A total of 25 participants were purposefully selected and participated in the research. Results obtained show that, to a high extent, the Zambia Air Force applies essential and basic processes, practices, tools and techniques that are cardinal in the successful completion of projects. However, project management in ZAF faced a number of factors that hinder progress both at management and administration. Based on the responses gathered from the respondents, the key findings in this study were that ZAF Project Management Maturity Level was found to be at Planned Level (Level 2) where Project Management processes are informally defined, Risks or problems are informally identified and Project Management data is informally collected. In other terms, both Key PM processes, Major Organisational Characteristics and Key PM Focus Areas are all informally performed. The study has helped to highlight the weaknesses associated with the practice of PM in ZAF. This is a positive step and a stepping stone towards continuous improvement of Project Management Maturity Level in ZAF.