Effect of scope readiness on capital projects in mining : a Namibian case study

Abstract

Although project scope definition is regarded as a key element in successful project management, research on the subject is sparse. This paper investigates the relationship between project scope readiness and project performance in the Namibian mining industry. A survey was done on ten projects from seven Namibian mining companies, using the project definition readiness index (PDRI) tool as a scope definition indicator, while cost and schedule performance were used as performance indicators. Support was found for the proposition that readiness of project scope definition improves schedule performance, but the relationship between the PDRI score and cost performance was less conclusive.

Alhoewel die bestek-beskrywing van ’n projek algemeen beskou word as ’n sleutelelement in die suksesvolle bestuur van ’n projek, is baie min navorsing hieroor gedoen. Hierdie artikel ondersoek die verwantskap tussen die gereedheid van bestek-beskrywings en die sukses van projekte in die Namibiese mynbou-industrie. ’n Opname is gedoen op tien projekte in sewe Namibiese mynbou maatskappye. Die Projek Definisie Gereedheid Indeks (PDRI) instrument is gebruik as aanwyser van die gereedheid van die bestekdefinisie, terwyl kosteprestasie en skedule-prestasie as aanduiding van projeksukses gebruik is. Ondersteuning is gevind vir die stelling dat die gereedheid van ’n projek se bestekomskrywing skedule-prestasie bevorder, maar die verwantskap tussen PDRI telling en kosteprestasie was minder oortuigend.