Significance of competencies of project managers on the performance of projects within NGOs in Mogadishu, Somalia

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the competencies of project managers on the performance of projects within Non-Governmental Organizations in Mogadishu, Somalia. Descriptive research design was used, and the target population consisted of 78 managers and 390 senior employees in the 78 NGOs in Mogadishu. The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique, and the sample size was 216 respondents chosen using Yamane’s (1967) formula. The data was collected using questionnaire, and descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in the data analysis. The study findings indicated that employees’ skills and competencies influence NGO performance and there was an information sharing within the project team employees. The NGO had a competent project manager, NGO adhered to the project management process, all members were aware of the project's nature and that there was active involvement of external stakeholders. The result indicated that the intercept between Skills and Competencies of project managers and Performance of Project becomes better by β = 0.709, p<0.01 meaning that when Skills and Competencies of project managers is improved by a single unit, the project performance also significantly improves by 70.9%. The study concluded that skills and competencies of the project managers is a must for any successful delivery of project assignment. The ingredients of soft, technical and professional skills offers an effective combination for the success of any project. The study recommends that NGOs embrace the merit-based selection of individuals for any position based on the competencies required for effective performance of their roles.