THE ROLE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF HEINSEK INTEGRATED SERVICES)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background to the Study

Concerns about the balance between economic growth, social well-being and the use of natural resources may date back to the 18th century (e.g. Von Carlowitz, 1713 and Malthus, 1798). However, it was not until the second half of the 20th century that concerns about sustainability and sustainable development became widely recognized as a societal challenge for humanity (Dyllick and Hockerts, 2002). Sustainability aims to “promote harmony between people and between people and nature” (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). Elkington developed Harmony to the “Triple Bottom Line” concept: Sustainability is about the balance or harmony between economic sustainability, social sustainability and environmental sustainability (Elkington, 1994, cited in Magano et al., 2021).

Projects are the means for industries, organizations and companies to achieve their strategic goals and develop the status of their assets or departments (Abidin et al., 2007; Barbosa et al., 2020). Successful projects often result in increased efficiency and productivity for the respective company (Labuschagne et al., 2005). For over 150 years, politicians and managers have struggled to find ways to increase economic growth without sacrificing social well-being (Økland, 2015). The success of an organization in the complicated and linked world of today depends not only on the actual execution of its projects but also on their long-term effects on society and the environment. This requires a paradigm shift where sustainability and project management are related rather than distinct ideas.

Globally, project management is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but in countries like Nigeria, where sustainable development issues are pervasive, its importance is particularly evident. Nigeria, Africa's most populous and economically important country, faces numerous environmental and socio-economic challenges that require strategic project management solutions. To achieve lasting socio-economic and environmental benefits, effective project management in Nigeria requires that project objectives be aligned with sustainability principles.

By integrating sustainability criteria into project planning and implementation, project managers can ensure that development initiatives contribute to the long-term well-being of Nigeria while minimizing negative environmental and social impacts. This requires the adoption of innovative approaches and the use of appropriate technologies to optimize resource utilization, increase resilience and promote inclusive growth (UNDP Nigeria, 2020).

Additionally, project management frameworks provide essential tools and methodologies for stakeholder engagement and capacity building, which are critical to fostering collaboration and ownership among various stakeholders involved in sustainable development initiatives in Nigeria. Involving local communities, government agencies, civil society organizations and private sector partners in project design and implementation processes increases transparency, accountability and social cohesion, thereby facilitating the achievement of sustainable development outcomes (Bello, 2018).

Moreso, to ensure the sustainability of development activities in Nigeria, efficient project monitoring and evaluation are crucial to measure progress, identify obstacles and enable adaptive management techniques. Project managers can gauge how projects affect sustainable development goals, monitor project results against set indicators, and use data to make choices that boost project outcomes. They do this by setting up solid systems to watch and assess progress (World Bank Nigeria, 2019).Top of Form

1.2   Statement of the Problem

Despite the recognized importance of project management in promoting sustainable development in Nigeria, significant challenges persist that hinder its effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes. One pressing issue is the lack of integration of sustainability principles into project management practices across various sectors in Nigeria. Many projects are still primarily driven by short-term economic considerations, overlooking long-term environmental and social impacts (Adegbile et al., 2019). This disconnect between project objectives and sustainability goals undermines the potential for projects to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's sustainable development agenda.

Another critical challenge is the limited institutional capacity and resources for implementing sustainable project management practices in Nigeria. The absence of standardized project management frameworks tailored to the country's specific socio-economic context exacerbates this issue (Oguntimehin & Afolabi, 2017). Furthermore, inadequate funding, skilled personnel, and technological infrastructure hinder the adoption of innovative project management approaches that prioritize sustainability criteria. Without sufficient support and investment in building the capacity of project managers and relevant stakeholders, the successful implementation of sustainable development projects in Nigeria remains elusive.Top of Form

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine the role of project management in promoting sustainable development in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:

1. To assess the current state of project management practices in Nigeria
2. To analyze the impact of project management on key sustainability indicators
3. To develop recommendations for strengthening the role of project management in promoting sustainable development

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:

1. To what extent do Nigerian project managers consider and integrate sustainability principles
2. How do different project management methodologies influence the achievement of sustainable outcomes
3. What are the key challenges and opportunities

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:

Ho: There is no significant relationship between project management practices and sustainable development outcomes in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:

Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Project Management sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.

Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organizations used as a case study.

Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is delimited to Heinsek Integrated Services. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.

1.9 Organization of the Study

The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.

Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.

Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.

Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.

Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.