Factors Affecting Project Implementation Amongst Non Governmental Organizations in Kenya

The paper is divided into three sections, the first of which will establish a timeline of events. This project background will serve as a case study for the analysis in the following section that will be structured such that each of the previously mentioned facets will be independently analyzed and contrasted with project management principles. Finally the paper will conclude with a summary of the analysis and recommendations based on

A project is determined by a start and an end. Before the project started the work does not exist. During a project the work does exist. When the project ends work no longer exist. To determine if something can be identified as a project it must have certain characteristics. They include a defined scope, finite budget, deliverables (specific end results) and assigned resources. During a project there are interacting processes. The initiation process starts the project and identifies the organization’s commitment to the project. The planning process defines the objectives and the scope of the project. The processes must be executed which coordinates the resources that are needed to carry out the project plan. These processes must be controlled or monitored in order to take corrective action if needed. Finally, there are processes to close out the project which include acceptance of the deliverables that were identified.

Projects are used today as a way of achieving a variety of outcomes in local or international locations for new constructions, new product development, product improvement, process design, process improvement, utility installation, theory and technology development, and many more. Bringing a project to a successful conclusion requires the integration of numerous management functions like controlling, directing, team building, communication and others. It also requires cost and schedule management, technical and risk management, conflict and stakeholder 's management, and life cycle management.

In this paper, I, a student of University of Phoenix will explain and discuss project management. I will address three main points. I will first answer what is a project. Secondly, I will discuss what are the basic phases of the project lifecycle and their purpose. Finally, I will explain why it 's important for organizations to use project management to accomplish tasks.

In this paper the word ‘project” is defined, discussed and elaborated on. The phases of a project lifecycle and its purpose are to be discussed, and how it is important for organizations to use project management to accomplish tasks will in conclusion be discussed thoroughly. The indisputable word ‘Project” may be defined in numerous unusual ways, some can all have the same meaning and others can mislead a reader. The definition that accurately explains what a project is, comes from the Houghton Mifflin Company (2009) website stating; “something that is contemplated, devised, or planned; plan; scheme.” A definition that can mislead a reader is this definition from the same website just two paragraphs

A project is a temporary endeavour, undertaken to meet particular goals and objectives, having a defined beginning and end, usually to bring about beneficial change or added value. The temporary nature of projects stands in contrast to, which are repetitive, permanent or semi-permanent functional work to produce products or

The definition of a project is “a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product or service. Temporary means every project has a definite beginning and an end. Unique means that the product or service is different in some distinguishing way from all other products or services”.(Project Management Institute., 2008)

The author of this book defines a project as simply a unique specific deliverable that meets a specific purpose. Each project has three components which affect the others: specific scope, schedule, and required resources. Specific scope is the desired results or product while the schedule establishes beginning and ending dates for the project. Required resources are the number of people, funds or other resources needed to complete the project.

This paper puts forth the thesis that the management of non-profit organisations is often ill understood because we proceed from the wrong assumptions about how these organisations operate. Based on this premise, this paper develops a model of the non-profit form as a conglomerate of multiple organisations with multiple bottom lines that demand a variety of different management approaches and styles: a holistic conception that emphasises the diversity of orientations within and outside the organisation; a normative dimension that includes not only economic aspects but also the importance of values

A project is the temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product or service. The elements of projects are: complex and one-time processes; limited by budget; schedules and resources; developed to resolve a clear goal or set of goals; and customer focussed. Project management the application of processes, methods, knowledge, skills and experience to achieve the project objectives. Tom Peters an American business management writer states a “Projects, rather than repetitive tasks, are now the basis for most value-added in business” (Peters, 1991, p. 1).

Human resource management has gained atmost importance in the past few years. Studies have found that there is a relationship between human resources of an organization and performance. From an era of slaves to an era of knowledge resources, People have been regarded differently throughout the years. People are now considered to be energy resources which are directly responsible for the effective working of the organization. An organization with good human resources and its effective management forms an effective organization.

Organizations leaders are facing difficult challenges because of the rapid changes in government and technology, which has created pressure in organizations. The aforementioned changes have made way for a new type of management; project management, far different from the traditional structure for managing. This document will describe the definition of a project. The paper will also touch basis on the basic phases of the project life cycle and their purposes, and why it is important for organizations to use project management to accomplish tasks.

As per PMBOK guide, Project is a temporary effort undertaken to produce a unique product or service. It means, characteristics of the product are elaborated and are different from other products they have definite start and end date. It is not ongoing projects like operations. The projects are set to be completed, when the project goals are achieved or it is no longer viable. Successful projects are the one to meets or exceeds the expectations of the stakeholders involved. The team will be separated once the project is completed. Examples: Building a new innovative tool to handle the big data involved in social websites. Projects expand deals, lessen costs, enhance quality and consumer loyalty, upgrade the workplace, and result in numerous different advantages.

Human resources management (HRM) is concerned with the ‘people’ management. HRM is a term increasingly used to refer to the philosophy, policies procedures and practices relating to the management of people within organization. Since every organization is made up of people, acquiring their services developing their skills, motivating them to higher levels of performance, and ensuring that they continue to maintain their commitments to the organization are essentials in achieving organizational objectives. Organization is able to acquire, develop, stimulate and keep out standing workers we both effective and efficient. Organization that are inefficient risk the hazard of standing or going out of business.

Human resource is one of the important factors to be utilised for achieving organisational goals. Human Resource management (HRM) is a premeditated methodology to manage the human resource of the organization with the help of functions like recruitment, training and development, utilizing and retaining this asset etc. (Simons, 2011). The nature of workforce in every organization demographically and psychologically vary. Therefore, every organization has its own tailor made HRM policy and the procedures.