Modeling Performance of Government Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa Using Project Management Competencies and Ethical Positions: Empirical Evidence from Projects of Public Universities in Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to develop a model that holistically synchronizes project management competences, ethical positions and performance of government projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 103 government projects of five public universities in Uganda. The study used cross section design and quantitative approach. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. Results revealed that behavioral and technical project management competences, teleological and ontological ethical positions exist as well as significantly affect project performance. Ethical positions partially mediated the relationship between project management competences and project performance, which is a requirement for promoting sustainable performance outcomes of government projects. The findings, managerial and policy implications are fully discussed in this paper. This study makes a contribution by providing information that is relevant for filling the practical gap that exists in government projects of Sub-Saharan Africa as well as contributes to theoretical development of project management discipline.