Evaluating the Project Management Strategies and Challenges in the Implementation of Public Health Intervention Projects in Lusaka, Zambia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59413/ajocs/v6.i6.10Keywords:
Project Management, Health Intervention, Monitoring and Evaluation, Stakeholder Engagement, Risk ManagementAbstract
This study evaluated project management strategies and challenges in the successful implementation of health intervention projects in Lusaka, Zambia. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a quantitative survey of 81 frontline health workers with qualitative interviews of 12 key informants, including project managers, donor representatives, and health officials. Additional project performance reports and implementation documents were collected for triangulation. The study focused on five key project management areas: Planning and Scheduling, Budgeting and Resource Allocation, Stakeholder Engagement, Risk Management, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Quantitative results indicated that M&E (M = 4.23, SD = 0.651) and Planning and Scheduling (M = 4.18, SD = 0.681) were the most frequently applied strategies. Regression analysis showed that M&E (β = 0.296, p = .002) and Planning and Scheduling (β = 0.266, p = .008) were strong predictors of project success. Significant correlations were observed between Planning and M&E (r = .642, p < 0.01) and between M&E and Budgeting and Resource Allocation (r = .571, p < 0.01), highlighting integrated project management processes. Qualitative findings identified major challenges, including lack of funding (75% of respondents), bureaucratic delays, limited human resource capacity, and weak communication structures. The study recommends deepening project management training, strengthening institutionalized M&E, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration to improve future project performance. These findings contribute to the understanding of effective project management in development interventions in sub-Saharan Africa and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, development partners, and public health implementers.
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