An Examination of Project Software Utilization on Project Completion: Case Study of Smart Zambia

Project management is a complex undertaking that requires proper planning and management. The study aimed at examining of project software utilization on project completion and it was informed by the following specific objectives: To establish the types of project software used at Smart Zambia, to examine effectiveness of project software for project completion, to ascertain the relationship between effective use project software and project completion and, to identify limitation faced by smart Zambia in the utilization of project software. The study adopted a descriptive case study and targeted staff from smart Zambia these are individuals involved in project management. A sample size of 50 respondents who were samples using purposive sampling were. Collected data from questionnaires were analysed using SPSS version 20 while data collected using interview guide where analysed thematically by grouping similar responses into themes and reporting them as statements. The study has revealed that project software helps the project to be completed on time and accordingly, the study has established that software enhances project completeness, performance and success. The findings have also revealed that project software training improves competency for project managers and this enhances project success. Training in project software has the capacity to influence the management of quality and cost of the project. Further, the study looked at the limitations that are associated with project software and the among the highlighted limitations were having limited technical skills, technical difficulties and lack of training for new team member, initial resistance from staff unfamiliar with the technology and, inadequate training for staff and high costs of implementation. In line with the findings of this study, it can be concluded that project software influences project performance by enhanced quality, effective cost management as well as project completeness, reduces project cost and promotes time management. The study finally recommended that there is need for companies to conduct regular training for the team so as to enhance the effectiveness of project software on project performance. This can be coupled with enhanced clear communication about usage of the software and by ensuring constituting a dedicated IT support team.