The project management of infrastructure projects based on international development cooperation : case study of a United Nations´ service provider in Peru

Abstract

This master thesis shows a case study of project management of an infrastructure program based on international development cooperation. The main subject of the research is the Peruvian Operations Centre of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS PEOC) implementing the program "Mejorando mi Pueblo", a development program initiated by the Peruvian Ministry of Housing, Construction and Rehabilitation. The UNOPS PEOC management of this program is investigated to answer the main research question: Which are the crucial factors concerning project management for the achievement of the UNOPS PEOC's objectives? In order to structure and filter information gathered through a field stay of the author with UNOPS PEOC, the St. Galler Management Concept was applied to the organization as it offers a broad view of integrated management assignments of a firm. For the analytical part of this research a methodology was chosen with the objective to raise risk factors and target parameters of the program "Mejorando mi Pueblo", to put them into relation to each other and to weigh this relation back on to the factors and the target parameters. In general it could be proven that UNOPS PEOC is aware of some risk factors and has taken necessary changes in its management in the past. The following recommendations summarize the outcome of this research: It is absolutely crucial that UNOPS PEOC takes into consideration detected risk factors in relation to clearly-defined roles and responsibilities with the client and better understanding of client processes, deeper examination of project outputs for development for lessons learned, strategic long-term agreements with contractors and improved inter- organizational communication.