Name (s) & ID No

NAME ………………………. MIKIYAS DESSIE

ID NO. ………………………. ECSU2301321

Author (s) of the Article

Year of Article

Article Title

Journal Title

Volume, No., page No.

SUMMERY
This essay involves a research report on how certain processes in project
management contribute to the success of the projects. It is a research paper
derived from the methodology of using quantitative and qualitative research
techniques, coupled with deductive and inductive research approaches. This
research paper includes testing of various hypotheses regarding project
proposals and startup, planning, executing, and closing of the projects,
knowledge transfer, and the performance of the projects in relation to the
satisfaction of the key stakeholders. The population of this study involved
prototypes of 25 completed projects that have been conducted over the last
ten years, whereas a purposive sampling approach was applied to identify
participants. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and
reported through a written report with five chapters: introduction, literature
review, methodology, data analysis, and conclusion/recommendations.

This thesis, “The Role of Project Life Cycle Management (PLCM) to Project
Success – The Case of Total Ethiopia Share Company”, researches the
relationship between effective practice of project life cycle management and
its stages to the success of projects. The research will investigate how the
four stages of PLCM—I.e. initiation, planning, execution, and closure—are
matching to the measure of traditional project success, by cost, time, quality,
and satisfaction to stakeholders for Total Ethiopia Share Company. By
analyzing 20 sample completed projects in the last ten years and using
different statistics, by examining the relationship between the phases of
PLCM and project outcome. This study activities to provide a better
understanding and practical application of PLCM on better project success.
KEY CONCEPTS
The key concepts that support the author's arguments in the research are:

Project Management (PM): The discipline of project management has

been evolving and maturing constantly over the last few decades. The true
value of project management has often been questioned due to a lack of
empirical evidence, and the literature is fraught with evidence of
unsuccessful projects and unsatisfactory business benefits to organizations.

Research Type and Source: The research engaged both quantitative and
qualitative methods and tools. The sample size is considered robust,
significant, and representative of the quantitative study. The research design
employed both exploratory and descriptive research methods, as well as
inferential methods for testing hypotheses and investigating research
objectives.

Research Approach: The research approach involved both inductive and

deductive methods. Inductive approach was used for creating new theory
from observation, pattern identification, and hypothesis, while a deductive
approach was used for initiating research from a general theory to specific
observations.

Data Analysis: The research utilized descriptive statistics, inferential

methods like regression analysis, and reliability tests to capture constructs.
The analysis aimed to search for patterns and relationships in the raw data
and to identify explanations for those patterns and relationships.

Project Success Criteria: The research likely covers project success

criteria, as it discusses the value of project management and the evidence of
organizational value derived from project management, indicating a strategic
delivery capability of organizations.
The thesis on "The Role of Project Life Cycle Management on Project
Success – The Case of Total Ethiopia S.C." explores several key
concepts crucial for understanding the impact of project life cycle
management (PLCM) on project success:

Project: Defined as a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique

product, service, or result, highlighting the temporary and unique nature of
projects which distinguishes them from routine operations.

Project Management: This involves applying knowledge, skills, tools, and

techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. It includes
planning, organizing, monitoring, and controlling all aspects of a project,
emphasizing the structured approach to achieving project objectives.

Project Life Cycle Management (PLCM): Described as the systematic

process of managing the phases of a project from initiation through planning,
implementation, and closure. PLCM guides management activities and
decision-making throughout the project's life, ensuring structured and phase-
based management.

Project Phases: The thesis identifies the key phases of PLCM which include:

Initiation: Starting up a new project, defining its objectives, scope, purpose,

and deliverables.

Planning: Developing plans to guide the project team through execution

and closure, addressing time, cost, and quality management.

Execution: Where the physical project deliverables are built and presented
to the customer.
Closure: Formally closing the project and assessing its success against the
initial objectives.

These concepts support the author’s argument by providing a framework for

understanding how systematic management of each phase contributes to
overall project success, focusing on critical aspects like cost, time, quality,
and stakeholder satisfaction.

RESEARCH GAP
The specific research gap identified in the study was the need to assess the
knowledge and capacity, as well as the gaps, of different actors involved in
project execution. This includes examining the partnership and coordination
in place, project management application skills, and lessons and challenges
related to project execution. The researcher aimed to fill this gap by
conducting a comprehensive analysis of the knowledge and capacity of the
different actors involved in project execution.

The information provided does not explicitly mention a specific "gap" in the
context of the research. However, the research methodology includes the
analysis of the knowledge, capacity, and gaps of different actors in project
execution. This indicates that the study aims to identify any existing gaps in
knowledge and capacity related to project execution. Additionally, the
research instrument includes a reliability test, suggesting that the study also
aims to assess the reliability of the scales used, which could potentially
indicate a gap in existing research instruments.

Overall, while the specific gap is not explicitly stated, the research
methodology indicates that the study aims to identify and communicate gaps
in knowledge, capacity, and research instruments related to project
execution.
Yes, the topic is highly relevant, especially for the oil and gas industry. The
research investigates the impact of project life cycle management practices
on the success of projects, particularly focusing on project management
success (time, cost, and quality performance) and product success
(satisfaction of stakeholders). The study emphasizes the importance of
linking project life cycle management with project success and highlights the
significant positive relationship between these factors. Additionally, it
identifies specific project life cycle management practices, such as project
initiation and planning, that significantly impact project success. Overall, the
findings have practical implications for improving project outcomes in the oil
and gas industry and can contribute to the existing body of knowledge in
project management.

The research identifies a significant gap in the understanding and application

of Project Life Cycle Management (PLCM) practices in Ethiopia, particularly
within Total Ethiopia S.C. It highlights a lack of extensive research on how
PLCM contributes to overall project success, especially in terms of planning,
execution, and monitoring aligned with internationally accepted
management practices. The study aims to fill this gap by analyzing how
effectively PLCM stages are implemented and their impact on project
outcomes, emphasizing the need for improved project management
methodologies to enhance project performance and success.

The gap is well communicated through the analysis of current project

management challenges, including insufficient planning and execution
according to international standards, a lack of trained personnel, and a
general undervaluation of structured project management approaches. The
topic is highly relevant as it addresses crucial deficiencies in project
management that affect project success, particularly in a developing context
where effective project execution can significantly influence economic and
organizational outcomes.

OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE
The main objective of the article was to assess the knowledge and
understanding of project managers or project team members regarding
project success factors. The study aimed to investigate the frequency with
which certain factors contribute to project success and to determine the
relationship between different variables in this context. The article also
employed a combination of deductive and inductive research strategies to
achieve this objective.

The specific research question is not explicitly mentioned in the provided

context. However, based on the information given, the study appears to
focus on the relationship between project management processes and the
performance of projects. It also seems to explore the impact of project
initiation, planning, execution, and closure on various aspects such as
quality, time performance, cost performance, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Based on the information provided in the document, the objective question
can be formulated as follows:

"What is the impact of project life cycle stages (initiation, planning,

execution, and closure) on project performance measures (time, cost,
quality, and stakeholder satisfaction) within the context of completed
projects over the past 10 years?"

This objective question encompasses the key variables and relationships

identified in the study, and it aligns with the research objectives and
hypotheses outlined in the document.

The main objective of the research is to analyze the impact of Project Life
Cycle Management (PLCM) practices on the success of projects within Total
Ethiopia S.C. The research focuses on understanding how effectively
managing the different stages of a project's life cycle (initiation, planning,
execution, and closure) contributes to achieving project success, defined in
terms of time, cost, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction.

The objective and research questions are well-formulated. They clearly focus
on evaluating specific aspects of project management that directly
contribute to the overall success of projects, using a structured analytical
approach through empirical data analysis. This formulation is beneficial
because it provides a focused scope that aligns with recognized project
management theories and practices, thereby facilitating a thorough
investigation into the practical impacts of PLCM in a specific organizational
context. The structured approach also enables the research to yield
actionable insights and recommendations that are directly applicable to Total
Ethiopia S.C and potentially other similar organizations.

METHODOLOGY
The author investigated the issue by conducting a survey of 20 projects
completed over the past 10 years to understand the impact of project life
cycle management practices on the success of the projects. The research
focused on project success from the perspective of cost, time, quality
performance, and stakeholder satisfaction. The data analysis techniques
included descriptive data presentation, Pearson correlation, multiple
regression model, T-test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The research
used inferential analysis to identify significant correlations between project
life cycle management stages and project success measures. Reliability
analysis was conducted to assess the internal consistency and validity of the
instruments used in the study. The population for the study consisted of 25
completed projects from the past 10 years, and purposive sampling was
used to select all these projects for inclusion in the survey.

The theoretical model used in the research is not explicitly mentioned in the
provided context. Therefore, I cannot provide a detailed answer regarding
the specific theoretical model used in the research.

The methodology used in the research appears to be rigorous. The data

analysis techniques included arithmetic and aggregate mean, median,
maximum, minimum, and standard deviation methods for descriptive data
presentation. Additionally, Pearson correlation, multiple regression model, T-
test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to establish relationships
between variables and test hypotheses. The reliability and validity of
instruments were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and other statistical
tests. The research approach involved a combination of deductive and
inductive methods, and the population and sampling methods were carefully
chosen to ensure the relevance and freshness of the data.

Overall, the methodology demonstrates a comprehensive and systematic

approach to data analysis, hypothesis testing, and ensuring the reliability
and validity of the research instruments.

The sampling procedure used in the research is purposive sampling, where

the researcher selected the sample based on their knowledge of the
population and the study itself. In this case, all the projects that were
completed over the past ten years (25 in number) were purposefully selected
for the survey. This approach is appropriate because the researcher wanted
to ensure that the respondents had fresh memory of the projects, and
targeting project managers or team members who had direct involvement in
the projects is crucial for obtaining relevant and accurate data.

The research approach used a combination of deductive and inductive

research strategies. This approach is appropriate because it allows for theory
formation through both deductive reasoning, where theory is derived from
existing knowledge, and inductive reasoning, where theory is developed from
specific observations. This comprehensive approach enables a thorough
exploration of the research problem and ensures that the study is built on a
solid foundation of theory and observation.

The research design involved quantitative and qualitative methods, with a

focus on exploratory and descriptive research. This design is appropriate
because it allows for a robust exploration of the research problem using
quantifiable schemes to obtain assurance and aims to depict the situation as
they exist. The combination of exploratory and descriptive research methods
provides a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under study.

The source of data and methods of data collection are appropriate because
they involve both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The use of
document review, interviews, and statistical analysis ensures a multi-faceted
and rigorous approach to data collection. By gathering information from
different sources and using various methods, the research can enhance the
quality and reliability of the data collected.

KEY FINDINGS
The main findings of the research include the analysis of project execution,
project initiation, project planning, and project closure in relation to their
impact on project performance and stakeholder satisfaction. The study used
both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyze data,
including the use of statistical tools like SPSS for quantitative data analysis.
The research applied both inductive and deductive research approaches to
draw conclusions based on specific observations and existing literature.

The hypotheses tested in the research include the correlation between

project initiation, planning, execution, and closure with project performance
and stakeholder satisfaction. The findings are based on the thematic areas of
project management, with a focus on identifying the relationships between
different project phases and their impact on project outcomes.

The research objectives are achieved as the hypotheses are tested using
statistical methods such as regression analysis. The findings provide insights
into the relationships between project phases and project performance,
addressing the research questions related to the impact of project initiation,
planning, execution, and closure on project outcomes and stakeholder
satisfaction.

RECOMENDATIONS
The key interventions/programs recommended by the author include:

 Improving project life cycle management processes to ensure the

success of projects.
 Enhancing project management skills among project managers and
team members.

The areas recommended for future research include:

 Further exploration of the relationship between project initiation,

planning, execution, closure, and the performance of projects.
 Investigation into the impact of project management skills on project
success.

These recommendations are based on the analysis and discussion of the

survey results, which indicated that project life cycle management
contributes to project success and that project management skills are crucial
for successful project outcomes. The recommendations are appropriate for
solving the mentioned problem because they are directly aligned with the
findings of the research, and they address the identified areas for
improvement in project management processes. By focusing on enhancing
project life cycle management and project management skills, the
recommendations aim to directly address the challenges and opportunities
identified in the research.

CONTRIBUTION
The study makes several key contributions to both theory and practice:

Theoretically:
The study provides empirical evidence to support the importance of linking project
life cycle management (PLCM) to the success of projects. This contributes to the
theoretical understanding of how PLCM practices impact project success.
By testing hypothetical perspectives, the study adds to the theoretical knowledge in
the field of project management, particularly in the context of PLCM and its impact
on project success.

Practicaly:
The research findings suggest that project life cycle management is a useful tool to
ensure project success. This practical implication can guide project managers and
organizations in implementing effective PLCM practices.
The study highlights the importance of project management skills for the success of
projects, indicating that investing in the development of project management skills
among team members can significantly impact project success.
The recommendations provided based on the research findings offer practical
insights for organizations, such as the proposal to conduct separate feasibility
studies for projects to identify challenges and factors affecting project success early
on.
Overall, the study contributes to both theory and practice by providing empirical
support for the importance of PLCM in project success, as well as offering practical
implications and recommendations for project management.

CRITIQUE

The article discusses the impact of project life cycle management on the success of
projects implemented by Total. It presents the results of a study focusing on the
importance of linking project life cycle management stages with project success,
specific processes that impact project success measures, the effects of time, cost,
quality, and stakeholder satisfaction on project success, and best practices of Total
to gain understanding for future projects. The study used a combination of
deductive and inductive research strategies and employed purposive sampling,
targeting projects completed in the past 10 years with 25 in number. The response
rate for the survey questionnaire was 80%, with 20 out of 25 questionnaires filled
and returned for analysis.
The research instrument involved the use of Statistical Package for Social Science
(SPSS) Version 24 for processing quantitative data and qualitative data analysis
through transcription, coding, reduction, and summarization. The findings were
grouped and assembled based on similarities and served as evidence for
triangulation of qualitative information.
The article communicates the researcher's approach to understanding the impact of
project life cycle management on project success, the methods used for data
collection and analysis, and the specific findings related to project initiation,
planning, execution, and closure. It also emphasizes the importance of reliability
testing for the scales used in the study.

The gap of the study was identified as the knowledge and capacity of different
actors involved in project execution. Additionally, the study aimed to analyze
partnership and coordination, project management application skills, and lessons
and challenges. The research also focused on understanding the impact of project
life cycle management on the success of projects implemented by Total.

The evidence and results presented in the research strongly support the central
argument of the author regarding the impact of project life cycle management
practices on the success of projects. The findings indicate that project life cycle
management is a useful tool to ensure project success, with over 80% of survey
participants strongly agreeing that it contributes to the success of the project.
Additionally, the research highlights the importance of linking project life cycle
management stages with project success, and it identifies specific project life cycle
management processes that significantly impact project success measures such as
time, cost, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction.
The results also demonstrate a significant positive relationship between project life
cycle management and project management success, as well as project's product
success. The correlation analysis reveals that most success criteria are positively
correlated to project planning and initiation stages, ultimately driving project
performance. Furthermore, the research provides valuable insights into the best
practices of the case company, Total Ethiopia S.C, and offers recommendations for
future research in this area.
Overall, the evidence and results presented in the research strongly support the
central argument of the author regarding the relationship between project life cycle
management and the success of projects.

The document does not explicitly mention the specific methods or style of
referencing used for citations. Therefore, I am unable to provide specific details on
the methods or style of referencing utilized in the research. If you need information
on the referencing style, it would be best to refer to the specific guidelines or
instructions provided by the institution, publication, or organization associated with
the research.

The information provided does not include specific details about the method of
referencing used in the research study. Therefore, I am unable to provide a detailed
answer to your question based on the given context. If you require information
about the consistency of referencing in the study, it would be best to refer to the
original document or contact the author for clarification.

Based on the information provided in the context, it seems that the research
methodology is well-structured and comprehensive. However, one major
modification that could be made is to include a more detailed explanation of the
specific statistical tests and analysis techniques used, as well as the rationale
behind their selection. This would provide a clearer understanding of how the data
was analyzed and the validity of the results.
Additionally, it would be beneficial to include a discussion on the limitations of the
research methodology. Acknowledging the potential limitations of the study, such as
sample size, data collection methods, and potential biases, can help to strengthen
the overall credibility of the research findings.
Furthermore, providing a more detailed explanation of the qualitative data analysis
process, including the specific methods used for coding, reduction, and
summarization, would enhance the transparency and reproducibility of the
qualitative findings.
Overall, these modifications would contribute to a more robust and transparent
research methodology, ensuring that the study's findings are grounded in sound
methodological practices.