Assessment of critical skills for project managers in Tanzania’s construction industry

The Project Manager’s skills contribute significantly to project success. The study undertook assessments of critical skills for Project Managers in Tanzania’s construction industry. A total of 110 questionnaires were distributed targeting key project stakeholders (clients, consultants, contractors, engineers, Architects, Project Managers and regulatory authorities). The cater involved Contractors Registration Board, Engineers Registration Board, National Construction Council and Ministry of Infrastructure Development. According to the respondents’ resource allocation; documentation and record keeping; cost estimating; ability to meet project objectives; quality management and human resource management were critical skills for Project Managers. Others included; project management and experience; planning and goal setting; resolve technical problems; team building/management; conflict management and resolution; negotiation; decision making and critical thinking; communications; positive attitude; creativity; problem solving/trouble shooting and flexibility. This study also identified tools for determining the critical skills for Project Managers. It was revealed that self assessment, employer survey and occupational analysis were the most important tools for determining critical skills for Project Managers in Tanzania’s construction industry. This study revealed that Project Managers skills were present to some reasonable extent in Tanzania’s construction Industry. Based on the findings, the study concluded with a set of practical recommendations.