Names: Nduduzo S’phamandla

Surname: Tembe
Date: 25 May 2024
Module: Project and programmes as instruments of development
Module code: DVA2601
Queston 3 and 4
Essential skills and roles project managers must fulfil for successful execution
of development projects.

A project manager is the person who oversees the projects from their initiation to
their completion. The project manager monitors the project and ensures that project
goals are met within the constraints of time, quality, and budget. For the successful
execution of development projects, a project manager is required to fulfil some skills
and roles of being a good, qualified manager. Here we will be discussing roles and
skills that a project manager must acquire for the successful management.

Roles of a project manager

Project planning.

Project planning is one of the crucial roles of the project manager. It serves as a
foundation for successful execution and project completion. Good project planning
involves a systematic approach of preparing, defining, and organizing all aspects of
the project, ensuring all objectives are met within budget, on time and to the needed
quality standards. The key elements of project planning include defining project
scope, developing the project plan, budget and cost estimation, risk management
planning, quality management planning and communication planning.

Scheduling

This is one essential role that the project manager must fulfil as it is crucial for
ensuring that project tasks are completed on time within the planned duration.
Scheduling involves the creation of a detailed timeline that outlines the starting and
completion of each task during the project process. It helps in managing time
efficiently, coordinating resources and meeting the project deadlines. The project
manager must identify all tasks and activities that must be done within the project,
breaking down project into smaller, manageable task using the Work Breakdown
Structure (WBS). The order of tasks must be identified using dependencies, tasks
must be finished before others can begin. The creation of network diagram is
significant for visualizing task sequences and dependencies, for example, PERT
charts.

Motivation

Motivation is a significant role of a project manager; it influences the productivity and

morale of the project team. A motivated team is more likely to meet the project
objectives effectively and efficiency’s project manager’s ability to encourage and
inspire the project team regulate the high levels of motivation and can determine the
failure or the success of a project. Motivation is important because when team
leaders are motivated, they solve problems proactively and contribute innovative
ideas. Motivated team members are inclined to resolve conflicts and maintain a
harmonious atmosphere. They also put in the effort needed to meet deadlines and
achieve project goals.

Control

Control is an important role of a project manager; it ensures that the project stays on
track, and it meets its objectives and intentions. It also ensures that every task is
finished on time. Control involves monitoring the project progress, making changes
where necessary and adjusting the plan to achieve the project objectives.

The skills of the project manager

Stress management skills.

Project managers often work under tight deadlines with limited resources. They face
many challenges, leading to the increased level of stress. Managing multiple tasks,
project and stakeholders simultaneously can also increase stress. Stress can also be
caused by the unforeseen risks on a project, changes, or unexpected obstacles.
Effective stress management enables project managers to stay focused, motivated,
and perform at their best despite challenging circumstances. Stress can impair
decision-making abilities. Managing stress ensures that project managers can make
clear, rational decisions even under pressure. Prolonged stress can have detrimental
effects on physical and mental health. Stress management promotes well-being and
prevents burnout. Project managers set the tone for the project team. Managing
stress effectively fosters a positive work environment and boosts team morale.

Strong communication skills

Effective communication facilitates the exchange of information, fosters collaboration

among team members and stakeholders, and ensures that everyone is aligned
towards achieving project goals. Project managers must communicate with
stakeholders to understand their requirements, expectations, and concerns. Clear
communication helps in managing stakeholder expectations regarding project scope,
timeline, and deliverables. Establishing open and transparent communication
channels helps in building positive relationships with stakeholders. Communicating
project objectives, roles, and responsibilities ensures that team members understand
what is expected of them. Effective communication inspires and motivates team
members by providing feedback, recognition, and encouragement. Clear and open
communication channels enable project managers to address conflicts and
disagreements within the team promptly.

Leadership skills
A good project leader creates clear and achievable goals for the team, ensuring
everyone understands the project's objectives and how their work contributes to
them. Project managers should communicate the project's vision, strategy, and
objectives to inspire and align team members toward a common goal. Effective
leaders motivate their teams by encouraging them , recognizing, and giving the
support, boosting morale and commitment to project success. Project managers
build trust with their teams by demonstrating integrity, competence, and reliability,
fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Leaders must make timely
and informed decisions, considering input from stakeholders and team members to
resolve issues and keep the project on track. Strong leaders are adept at identifying
problems, analyzing root causes, and implementing effective solutions, ensuring
obstacles are overcome efficiently. They should address conflicts promptly and
constructively, facilitating open communication and negotiation to reach resolutions
that benefit the project and maintain team cohesion. Project managers act as
mediators when conflicts arise, facilitating discussions and finding mutually
acceptable solutions to promote harmony and productivity within the team. Good
leaders lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, dedication, and a strong
work ethic to inspire their teams and set a positive tone for project execution. Setting
a clear vision, motivating team members, making informed decisions, fostering
effective communication, resolving conflicts, empowering team members, and
leading by example, project managers can effectively navigate the complexities of
project management and drive successful outcomes.

Environment factors consideration

The project managers must understand and adhere to industry regulations,

standards, and legal requirements relevant to the project. They must stay updated
with emerging technologies and tools relevant to the project, leveraging them to
enhance project effectiveness. Being flexible and adaptable to changes in project
requirements, schedules, and environments, adjusting strategies and plans as
needed to ensure project success.
By having and applying these mentioned skills and roles in an effective manner,
project managers can navigate the complexities of development projects and result
to successful outcomes and rein diverse and challenging environments, aligning
project objectives with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.

Question 4

4.1 Preserving indigenous culture and traditions have an important impact on

the implementation of development projects.

Respect for Local Knowledge and Practices:

Preserving indigenous culture and traditions encourages respect for local

knowledge, practices, and wisdom accumulated over generations.
Development projects that respect and preserve indigenous knowledge
are more likely to be culturally appropriate and sustainable. This fosters
trust and collaboration with local societies, this can lead to more effective
project implementation.

Legal and Ethical Considerations:

Preservation of indigenous culture goes hand in hand with legal and ethical
considerations, including international human rights standards and indigenous rights
frameworks. Indigenous communities have rights to self-determination, cultural
autonomy, and free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) regarding development
projects on their lands. Respecting indigenous cultures is not only ethical but also
legally required to uphold these rights and prevent cultural and human rights
violations.

Sustainable Development Practices:

Indigenous cultures promote sustainable development practices that take

environmental stewardship and holistic well-being as the priority. By
preserving indigenous cultures and traditions, development projects can
benefit from indigenous practices such as agroecology, traditional resource
management, and community-based conservation. These practices promote
environmental sustainability and resilience, contributing to long-term project
success.

4.2 Conyers and Hills' project cycle follows a linear progression of stages,
moving sequentially from one phase to the next. The cycle typically
consists of stages such as initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and
control, and closure. Each stage in the project cycle is seen as distinct and
follows a predetermined sequence. The focus is placed on completing one
stage before moving on to the next, with clear handoffs between phases.

MacArthur's project sequence is non-linear and iterative, allowing for

flexibility and adaptation throughout the project life cycle. Unlike the linear
progression of Conyers and Hills' model, MacArthur's sequence
acknowledges that project activities may overlap and occur
simultaneously. The model emphasizes the importance of adapting to
changing circumstances and requirements throughout the project. It allows
project managers to revisit and revise earlier stages as new information
becomes available or as project conditions change.
Conyers and Hills' model follows a structured and sequential approach to
project management, while MacArthur's model follows more flexible and
adaptive approach. Conyers and Hills' model emphasizes sequential
progression through distinct stages, whereas MacArthur's model allows for
iterative and non-linear project activities. Conyers and Hills' model is
 prescriptive, providing specific guidelines for each stage of the project life
cycle, while MacArthur's model is descriptive, offering a more general
framework that allows for interpretation and adaptation.

4.3 (a) Participatory Action Research (PAR) involves collaborative research in

which researchers work closely with community members to identify
research questions, collect data, analyze it and design the study. It is
suitable for research in indigenous communities as it empowers
community members to participate in the research process, ensuring that
their perspectives, knowledge, and priorities are respected and
incorporated. Researchers facilitate workshops, focus groups, or
community meetings where community members can discuss their
experiences, concerns, and aspirations. Data collection methods may
include interviews, surveys, participant observation, and participatory
mapping.

(b) Indigenous Research Methods are approaches to research that are

rooted values, indigenous worldview, and ways of knowing. They prioritize
indigenous ways of knowing and being and incorporate storytelling, oral
traditions, and ceremonial practices. Indigenous research methods are highly
appropriate for research in indigenous communities as they honor and respect
indigenous knowledge systems, cultural practices, and traditions.
Researchers may engage in conversations with community elders, knowledge
keepers, and cultural leaders to learn about traditional research methods and
protocols. They may also participate in ceremonies or rituals that are relevant
to the research topic. Data collection methods may include oral histories,
storytelling circles, talking circles, and yarning sessions.

(c) Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

CBPR is a collaborative approach to research that involves cooperation and

partnerships between researchers and community individuals throughout the
process of researching, from problem definition to dissemination of results.
CBPR is well-suited for research in indigenous communities as it promotes
 shared decision-making, mutual respect, and co-learning between
researchers and community individuals. Researchers work with community
partners to identify research priorities, establish research questions, and
make data collection methods. Community members may be involved in
collecting and analyzing data, interpreting findings, and disseminating results.
Data collection methods may include focus groups, interviews, surveys, and
photovoice.

Bibliography
B. Dube, F. B. (2024). Projects and programmes as instruments of development. Pretoria: Department
of Development Studies, Unisa.