Moderating role of Project Management Methodology on the Relationship between Project Planning and Project Success

Abstract

The role of planning has been debated in project management literature, wherein some studies have shown a positive effect of project planning on project success in complex projects, whereas others have demonstrated a negative effect in case of dynamic projects. In this backdrop, this research examined the role of planning in exploration and production (E&P) projects which are both complex and dynamic by studying the relationship between project planning and individual project success dimensions through statistical analysis of cross sectional data collected from 235 project managers and team members of oil and gas exploration projects in Pakistan. The study also investigated the moderating role of PMM on the relationship between project planning and project success dimensions. Results of regression analysis revealed a positive significant effect of Project Planning on all five dimensions of project success. Moreover, results also showed that PMM is a quasi-moderator between the relationships of project planning with project efficiency, impact on customer and impact on team, whereas a pure moderator for project planning-direct business and organization success relationship. Further, results indicated that PMM does not moderate the relationship between project planning and preparing for future dimension of success. The findings suggest that project management practitioners and organizations can enhance the chances of project success through effective planning and by applying requisite level of PMM. Keywords: Project Planning; Project Success; Project Management Methodology; PMM; Complex Projects; Project Management