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University of Hertfordshire Business School
Masters of Science in Project Management
Project Selection and Management in International Development
Organisations
Author: Landry Iragi Mugaruka
Student No: 12019699
Supervisor: Mike J. Herman
Submission Date: 23rd September 2014 Ethics Number:
BUS/PG/UH/00502
Acknowledgement
I would like to register my deepest appreciation to my supervisor
Mr. Mike J. Herman for being an instrumental part of my dissertation research.
His availability, guidance and direction made everything much easier and I
learned a great deal under his stewardship.
My sincerest thanks also go to my parents Gaspard and Denise, who
have been eternally supportive and provided me with invaluable input throughout
my course work. Warm thanks are also due to my siblings Tino, Serge, Rabi,
Clovis, Urbain and Linda for their useful recommendations and inspiration.
Finally, I dedicate this thesis to my lovely daughter Leyla, from
whom I get endless inspiration to do the very best.
Abstract
Selecting programmes and projects that are in line with strategic
goals and objectives has been described as the primary objective of
organisations today. For International Development Organisations, selecting the
right mix of projects is even more crucial because of their purpose, the
specific nature of the programmes and projects they implement and the
environment in which they operate. This dissertation proposes a simple and
flexible multilevel Framework, based on the principles of Project Portfolio
Management, that can be used when selecting and implementing development
programmes and projects while at the same time ensuring that they are in line
with the strategic orientation of the implementing organisation.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgement i
Abstract iii
Table of Contents iv
Table of Figures vi
Table of Tables vi
1. Introduction 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Research Question 2
1.3 Aims and Objectives of the Dissertation 2
1.4 Research Scope 3
2. Literature Review 4
2.1 Project Portfolio Management 4
2.1.1 What is Project Portfolio Management 4
2.1.2 Corporate Strategy 5
2.1.3 Project Portfolio Selection Process 6
2.1.4 Project Selection Tools and Techniques 7
2.1.5 Decision Support for Portfolio Selection 8
2.2 International Development Organisations 13
2.2.1 Nature of International Development Projects (ID) 13
2.2.2 Approaches to managing International Development Projects
14
2.2.3 Critical success factors for International Development
Projects 17
3. Methodology 19
3.1 Research Philosophy 19
3.1.1 Epistemology 19
3.1.2 Ontology 20
3.1.3 Axiology 21
3.2 Research Approach 21
3.3 Research Design and Strategy 22
3.3.1 Research Design 22
3.3.2 Research Strategy 23
3.4 Time Horizons 25
3.5 Limitations 25
4. Findings and Analysis 27
4.1 Findings 27
4.1.1 Action Aid International 27
4.1.2 OXFAM UK 29
4.1.3 Plan International 31
4.1.4 Christian Aid UK 32
4.1.5 Water Aid UK 34
4.2 Funding of International Development Organisations 35
4.3 Analysis 36
4.3.1 Strategy 36
4.3.2 Project Selection and Management 37
4.3.3 Selection Criteria 40
5. Recommendations 42
5.1 Programme Selection Committee 42
5.2 Selection and Management Tools 44
5.3 Programme and Project Selection Framework 47
6. Conclusion 51
6.1 How is Project Portfolio Selection applied within an
Organisation 51
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