Impact of Project Stakeholder Management on Government Funded Projects Answer

What Population Units do we have?

A population unit is defined as the number of people or individuals involved in a research study. These individuals are being studied based on the objectives of the study. These populations might carry similar traits or characteristics. Based on this concept, the study revolves around focusing on government-funded projects and the impact created by project management stakeholders On them. For this purpose, nearly 40 respondents are being chosen who belong to an age group of 30 to 60 years for this study. This involves client, contractor, PSP, and user clients. One of the common aspects that made them an appropriate population unit for this study is that these respondents are directly linked to Thulare High School, the project upon which the study is going to be held. The population unit belongs to South Africa. There were various criteria for selecting a population unit including the population size, type of research, similar traits, and much more.

How do you Analyse how many Population Units do you have?

Deciding on the population unit specifically depends on several aspects. These include defining the characteristics of the population, sampling method selected, units of sample selected as well as extrapolating the sample. As the study aimed to analyse the government-funded projects and the impact created by project stakeholder management on them, the researcher has the chance to select respondents from a specific population. The researcher selected Thulare High School for conducting their study, which helped them to shortlist respondents from a particular population. The researcher has selected 40 government officials associated with Thulare High School to meet the objectives and research design of the study. By using population count based on the study’s objective, the researcher analysed the number of respondents required for this study.

Provide Bbasis for the Selection of 40 respondents. Calculations should be justified

The selected formula for sample size calculation since it is research that involves quantitative data. Secondly, it considers the degree of confidence in the precision. As variability and desired precision are involved, reliable sample size can be measured for specific research. Furthermore, the calculation is justified because it improves the overall statistical validity of the findings.

Now Many Questionnaires Need to Be Prepared Considering the Diverse Population, Perspectives From Each of the Population May Differ

• Contractor – 1
• SMME’s - 20
• PSC – 10
• SGB – 10
• DoE Officials – 4

A contractor-based questionnaire can be stated to be better for the research. This is because of the fact that they will have a better idea of infrastructure management in the selected school.

How Was the Sample Size Decided? Any Formular / Sample Size Calculator Used

The sample size was decided by using a random probability sampling strategy. The purpose of the random probability sample method is to select respondents from a particular population each having an equal chance to get selected. This type of sampling ensures that the overall population gets represented through their help (Stratton, 2021). In the research study, the respondents were selected using a random probability sampling method where those 40 people were acting as government representative of Thulare High School. Further, the researcher has also focused on three major aspects to assess the sample size. This includes the level of accuracy, degree of confidence, and the amount of variability. The formula that has been used as a sample size calculator is-

Sample size = Square of [(DC+V)/DP].

Where DC represents the degree of confidence, V represents the variability amount, and DP represents desired precision. One of the major reasons behind using this method is that it reduces the chances of bias and gives equal opportunities for inclusion (Martinsuo, Vuorinen & Killen, 2019). It also helps in gathering accurate and unbiased data as it is easy to implement and also enhances the acceptability and credibility of the research.

How Will the Questionnaire Be Developed? Do We Have Any Validated Instrument Available?

The questionnaire will be developed keeping in mind the purpose of identifying the impact that project stakeholder management can create on a government-funded project. The questionnaire will be free consisting of two parts. The first one includes demographic information and the second one includes questions associated with stakeholder management and their interest in government-funded projects. However, a Likert scale will be used while asking questions. One of the advantages of using the Likert scale is that it takes less time and the respondents will be able to answer quickly by selecting numbers from 1 to 5. The Likert scale will be used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data will be collected by conducting open questions.

However, a pilot study will be conducted where the research instrument will be measured to check its validity and accuracy. The purpose of the pilot test is to measure the questionnaire used to gather primary data by observing respondents while answering them (Ebekozien et al., 2023). However, the result showed that the questionnaire developed for measuring the influence of project stakeholder management in a project that was funded by the government was appropriate. Therefore, no poor remarks were being collected; hence, this questionnaire instrument seemed approved for this study.

Theoretical Base / Model / Concept to Base the Questionnaire (Validity)

To validate the questionnaire, the researcher has chosen stakeholder management theory depending upon which the questionnaire was developed. The researcher has identified the stakeholders and tried to collect their perceptions, and opinions, as well as the challenges that they might face while developing the project associated with Thulare High School. The aim of this is to satisfy stakeholders and enhance project outcomes (Freeman et al., 2021). The theoretical base also helps in collecting accurate results as well as identifying their involvement in government-funded projects.

On the other hand, to test validity, one of the theories that can be used to test the validation of the questionnaire is the pilot testing model. This model can be applied to a small group of respondents to check the accuracy and efficiency of the questionnaire. The purpose of conducting this study is to identify the loopholes in the questionnaire.

How Will You Test the Validity and Reliability of the Questionnaire

It is essential to test the validity and reliability of the questionnaire in a research study. The purpose of this is to maintain the accuracy of the study. Therefore, the research aiming to identify the influence that the project stakeholder management can create on government-funded projects needs to test its questionnaire by using various processes. For checking the content validation, conducting pilot testing can be beneficial among a small group of stakeholders. This can help in exploring ambiguous things and removing them. This study can also help in collecting comprehensive feedback against the questions. Similarly, conducting factor analysis can help in identifying whether proper dimensions or data required for measuring the effectiveness of stakeholder management have been collected. To measure the effectiveness of the questionnaire and whether it fulfils the criteria, a criterion-related validation test can be conducted. This can include comparing the questionnaire of the research study with external criteria associated with stakeholder satisfaction, project success, financial outcome, and much more.

What Are the Potential Risks Associated With This Research and How Will They Be Mitigated?

Risk is common in research especially when handling a larger amount of data. Risk when occurs needs to be handled effectively otherwise it can have various consequences. In this research proposal, the risk that might affect the overall research includes ethical risk. This involves potentially harming the sentiments of respondents intentionally or unintentionally involved with this research study. Ethics include protecting respondents’ information, obtaining informed consent, and much more. As this study involved 40 respondents, there are high chance that the research study might face ethical risk intentionally or unintentionally. Along with ethical risk, the study might also face sampling risk which is associated with the selection of respondents. The frequency of occurrence of biased results is higher if the selection is not properly done among respondents. However, it can be said that the respondents might not offered accurate information and therefore the chances of validity getting affected are higher.

Risk related to data collection is not unknown in research and can give rise to serious consequences. Following improper procedures, falsification, or fabricating data might affect the validity of the study. Similarly, the financial as well as resource risks can also affect the study. This is because research consisting of higher respondents has a chance to face low budget and resource scarcity. This can degrade the quality and accuracy of the research. Finances and other resources are essential for the accomplishment of a research study. Thus, mitigation of these risks is essential to sustain the quality of the research. In this research proposal, there are high chances of obtaining data collection risk due to the involvement of huge respondents. However, the chances are high regarding the missing data or incomplete responses as this study includes respondents. Therefore, the response that will be provided by the respondents might be inaccurate which might affect the quality of the research. These risks can be mitigated by obtaining proper informed consent and to ensure respondents’ confidentiality and anonymity. This will help to improve the research study by improving its quality. On the other hand, to mitigate sampling risks using reliable and validated research instruments can be helpful. However, the study has conducted a pilot test which reduces its chances of obtaining measurement risks.

Provide Risk Mitigation Plan?

Risk mitigation is a plan that involves various strategies to overcome the risk that can affect a research strategy. For the above-identified risk, the risk mitigation plan is as follows-

Any Future Scope for the Study?

There are various future scopes associated with this study. One of those is conducting a comparative analysis with other government or privately-funded projects in the education sector. This will help to identify the differences between the stakeholder management practices of different regions and obtain best practices and further areas for improvement. Similarly, another major scope for this study is to identify the barriers and challenges faced while implementing stakeholder management across government-funded projects. The researcher can particularly identify challenges and barriers faced in Thulare High School or any other government-funded projects to investigate the factors that might affect the implementation of such management. Additionally, integrating sustainable practices into stakeholder management is being widely explored by various researchers. Therefore, investigating how one can align sustainable practices with stakeholder management can help in measuring the long-term environmental impact and success of the projects that are funded by the government. This can also include introducing communication development initiatives by applying eco-friendly strategies.

Exploring cultural sensitivity and inclusivity is widely studied across various fields. However, it plays a vital role in influencing certain areas that involve diverse communities. In the case study, the government-funded projects involve a larger number of stakeholders belonging to diverse groups. Therefore, exploring the cultural sensitivity among diverse groups of stakeholder communities and understanding how cultural sensitivity positively affects the relationship between them can help to assess its impact on project outcomes.

Include Different Tools of Gatherings Data for the Study

Different types of data-gathering tools can be applied to this study. These tools include but not limited to

Surveys: This method involves collecting data by conducting interviews with a certain number of respondents involved in the study. This case study can use surveys to collect quantitative data on the satisfaction level, perception, as well as involvement of the stakeholders associated with the government-funded project. The researcher can use the Likert scale to gather standardized responses when conducting open questions to the respondents (Mehrad & Zangeneh, 2019).

Focus group discussion: This sort of process comprises directing an argument among various administrators complex in government-funded projects. This can include dissimilar shareholders and legislatures of Thulare High School for discovering their anxieties and sharing views, and ideas linked to project stakeholder management. One of the downsides of this study is that a researcher cannot be able to collect distinct information via this kind of research instrument.

Document analysis: Usually, another strategy that can be utilized to gather information related to venture Partner administration. In any case, this method can offer assistance in collecting subjective information by considering the chronicled setting of the consider (Mehrad and Zangeneh, 2019). Utilizing this strategy, the analyst can distinguish bits of knowledge related to the challenges, history, as well as results related to extended partner administration in a government-funded extend that is Thulare High

Social network analysis (SNA): Usually, a sort of quantitative strategy can be utilized to distinguish communication channels as well as variables affecting Stakeholder systems. This SNA strategy is utilized to dissect the communication design between diverse partners to an extent.

Interviews: Typically, one of the strategies utilized is to gather subjective information. This strategy incorporates semi-structured interviews including open-ended questions for instructors, chairmen, community individuals, and guardians.

GIS Mapping: This method can also be useful for this research study as it involves observing the spatial distribution of stakeholders and activities related to project management by using a “geographic information system (GIS)”. This can help to obtain information associated with geographical information related to stakeholder engagement (Mehrad & Zangeneh, 2019).

Provide Main Research Question

The research questions of the study were investigating the impact of project Stakeholder management on government-funded projects and how this can be enhanced by applying holistic approaches. The research questions associated with the study revolves around-

What are the advantages and drawbacks of the present practices and tactics used in project stakeholder management in government-funded projects?

What is the significance of project stakeholder management in government-funded projects and how does it contribute to increasing stakeholder satisfaction level?

Identify the stakeholders, their key roles, and the power dynamic they share associated with Thulare High School. How does this power dynamic affect the decision-making and implementation process in the project?

How effective is the current stakeholder management of Thulare High School and what are the future improvements required to get improved project outcomes?

What are the recommendations or suggestive measures that can help to enhance project stakeholder management of South Africa based on the data collected from Thulare High School?

Consider Mixed Methodological Choice – Quantitative and Qualitative

What kind of impact can be derived from this research? Political, Environmental or Social?

The study potentially yields impacts from various domains. These include-

Political: The research can create a political impact by offering policy recommendations related to education and Stakeholder management for a government-funded project. This recommendation can help in influencing decisions at a national, local, and regional level. Further, this research can provide advocating effects for improving governance practices in the project as it will highlight the significance of project stakeholder management in a project success outcome.

Economical: This project can also create economic impact as it can help in offering strategies to optimise resource allocation and much more. Highlighting how managing financial resources effectively can improve project management outcomes as well as fulfill stakeholder’s priorities can be understood through this study. Further, this research can also offer information about how positive stakeholder management can increase a school’s brand image as well as obtain findings from government bodies, non-profit organisations, and much more.

Environmental: The study can create environmental impact by exploring the integration of effective Sustainability practices through stakeholder management in government-funded projects. This can involve educational programs, eco-friendly infrastructure, using energy-efficient technologies, and much more. Similarly, collaborating effectively with stakeholders can also increase awareness of issues in a community. This will help schools to promote environmental sustainability and consciousness among various personnel.

Social: There are various social impacts that the study can bring to government-funded projects. One of those includes enhancing stakeholder relationships by practicing effective project Stakeholder management. Thulare High School involves a larger number of stakeholders including teachers, parents, government officials, and the local community. Therefore, this study will help strengthen the relationship and foster a sense of collaboration among them. Additionally, positive stakeholder management gives rise to increased satisfaction levels (Rahman et al., 2022). This research can create a social impact by offering initiatives that can contribute to an effective participation of stakeholders such as in school activities, educational events, and much more. Similarly, this study can create an impression by improving community development. This can be done by integrating residents into the decision-making process and empowering them by highlighting their responsibilities.

Is There Any Existing Framework or Model Dealing With Project Stakeholder Management?

Various frameworks exist while dealing with project stakeholder management. One of them is the project management stakeholder framework, which aims to identify and engage with stakeholders associated with the project to enhance the satisfaction level. The project stakeholder management framework involves recognising the essential stakeholders of the project including parents, teachers, government officials, local communities, and much more. Identification also involves analysing their interests, potential impacts, and expectations associated with the project management. This framework also includes planning and engaging with stakeholders by discussing the project cycle through effective communication and collaboration. Integrating feedback mechanisms can help in strengthening the relationship among them. In addition to this, continuously fulfilling stakeholder expectations and monitoring stakeholder engagement can help in adjusting the changing scope of the project dynamics and requirements.

On the contrary, stakeholder management theory is also one of the frameworks that widely exists in dealing with project stakeholder management. However, both framework deals with a similar aim which is engaging the stakeholders by identifying the potential stakeholders associated with the project management.

Elaborate the Two Distinct Scenarios – Project Stakeholder Management Versus Government Funded Projects

There are a lot more differences between project stakeholder management and government-funded projects. In terms of definition, project stakeholder management involves investigating the stakeholders, and engaging with those individuals who are interested in a project. This can include internal and external stakeholders. The purpose of this is to identify stakeholder expectations and maintain effective communication to foster positive relationships with them. On the other hand, a government-funded project is an initiative carried out by government officials to achieve a certain milestone by accomplishing the task (Estache & Garsous, 2012). This project can be held in different sectors, and require different funds. The reason for government-funded ventures is to use open assets successfully to offer them the progressed foundation that will advantage the community.

Whereas explaining the two scenarios based on key exercises, venture partner administration includes four major errands including distinguishing, dissecting, engaging, and observing and input related to the partners included in a venture. Within the case of a government-funded extension, the key assignments incorporate distributing stores, creating arrangements, keeping up compliance, and engaging with the open to achieve the extent. When examining these two scenarios based on the benefits, extended partner administration can offer assistance in making strides and extending results by reinforcing communication between different faculty included in the extension (Erkul et al., 2020). Another major advantage is that it can offer assistance in expanding fulfillment levels among partners and offer assistance to bolster the venture. On the contrary, government-funded ventures offer assistance in moving forward the foundation by satisfying societal needs. It moreover makes a difference in producing incomes and assembly open desires by apportioning assets productively.

When recognizing the two scenarios based on their challenges, venture partner administration can confront challenges in adjusting to the assorted needs and requests of diverse partners. Moreover, there are high chances of the event of clashes among partners. Separated from this, it can be troublesome to form partners versatile to the changing elements of the venture life cycle. Within the case of government-funded ventures, the foremost challenging viewpoint is to adjust competing requests and oversee reserves as well as political contemplations. In the meantime, keeping up straightforwardness and responsibility is additionally a tremendous challenge whereas utilizing open assets to an extent.

Bibliography

Ebekozien, A., Aigbavboa, C. O., & Ramotshela, M. (2023). A qualitative approach to investigate stakeholders' engagement in construction projects. Benchmarking: An International Journal.

Erkul, M., Yitmen, I., & Celik, T. (2020). Dynamics of stakeholder engagement in mega transport infrastructure projects. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 13(7), 1465-1495.

Estache, A. & Garsous, G. (2012). The impact of infrastructure on growth in developing countries. , 12-23.

Freeman, R. E., Dmytriyev, S. D., & Phillips, R. A. (2021). Stakeholder theory and the resource-based view of the firm. Journal of Management, 47(7), 1757-1770.

Martinsuo, M. M., Vuorinen, L., & Killen, C. (2019). Lifecycle-oriented framing of value at the front end of infrastructure projects. International journal of managing projects in business, 12(3), 617-643.

Mehrad, A., & Zangeneh, M. H. T. (2019). Comparison between qualitative and quantitative research approaches Social sciences. International Journal For Research In Educational Studies, Iran, 5(7), 1-7.

Rahman, M. M., Tabash, M. I., Salamzadeh, A., Abduli, S., & Rahaman, M. S. (2022). Sampling techniques (probability) for quantitative social science researchers: conceptual guidelines with examples. Seeu Review, 17(1), 42-51.

Stratton, S. J. (2021). Population research: convenience sampling strategies. Prehospital and disaster Medicine, 36(4), 373-374.

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