Project management for donor funded community based sustainable development efforts in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Application of Project Management concepts in For-Profit project environments is very common. This study attempts to apply and make use of Project Management concepts in Non-Profit project environments. The writer who had extensively involved in non profit project environments in Sri Lanka believes that many project fail or show poor performance due to lack of project management. Hence, this study is carried out. The subject matter of the study is 'Donor Funded' 'Community Based' 'Sustainable Development' projects in different regions of the Sri Lanka. The aim of the study is to establish a common case of application of project management concepts throughout the life of a project by which the project quality is enhanced. In achieving the aims of the study, a literature review will be carried out to establish the base line for the study and select an appropriate method of research. Further it will identify the general conditions and structures prevailing with the research matter. Upon identification of generic project conditions, the study will proceed to detail two real projects and to apply selected project management concepts on them, by means of case studies. The analysis will highlight the importance of project management to enhance project quality and sustainability. Concluding the study, a model will be developed to ensure meaningful application of project management techniques in driving the project process to achieve project objectives. It is expected this model to be a guide in implementing nonprofit community projects for many professionals involved and for laymen as well, and in different contexts. Recommendations will be made to improve the nonprofit project environment in Sri Lanka in a project management perspective. Key words: Donor funded, community based, sustainable development