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Examining the Performance of NGO Projects in Fragile States - The Case of World Vision South Sudan Program

The present study summarizes the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the research project “Examining the Performance of NGO Projects in Fragile States - The Case of World Vision South Sudan Program.” The purpose of this research is to assess the performance of projects in fragile states in terms of time, cost, scope, quality, and customer satisfaction. As cost and schedule are believed to comprise 2/3rd of the cost-schedule-quality equilibrium, the performance analysis was focused on time and cost elements. The motto of World Vision South Sudan (WVSS) is excellence in execution. The results of literature review, analysis of project performance data, organization’s level of project management maturity and customer satisfaction indicate that 80% of the past projects were completed behind schedule with 46% under spending and 39% cost overruns. Likewise, over 60% of the projects failed to achieve one or more deliverable objective. Consequently, only 15% of the projects ended on budget and on target. The earned value analysis also shows that 67% of the ongoing projects were behind the schedule. If the remaining project activities implemented at the current pace, over 60% of the projects will end far behind the schedule with US $15-20 million additional cost per year. Moreover, 99% of the project managers had no formal project management training or capacity. Furthermore, about 55% of community, local government & partner UN/NGO representatives were dissatisfied with WVSS’s project performance. Project implementation phase is the most challenging part of the project cycle often weighed down with uncertainties. Therefore, it is highly recommended that organizations operating in fragile contexts equipped with comprehensive project management capability and business process/operational excellence to ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget with expected quality standards. Besides, projects must adapt flexibly and innovative ways of working in difficult environments in order comply with accountability standards and commitments to beneficiary communities, donors and other key stakeholders.