Determinants of project success in NGOs:the case of PACT Ethiopia

Abstract

This study is designed to investigate the determinants of project success in an international non-governmental organization in Ethiopia. It adopted a cross-sectional research design and collected both quantitative and qualitative data from a total of 36 projects that were implemented between 2004 and 2016 by Pact-Ethiopia. Project success was conceptualized as a function of efficiency and effectiveness. It was measured employing a composite index comprised of cost and schedule performance indices, as well as performance of the project against key indicators. Accordingly, while two-third of Pacts projects were successfully completed, 22% and 11% were found to be moderately successful and challenged projects respectively. A range of independent variables were regressed against the dependent variable (project success) using the ordered logic model. The result revealed that comprehensiveness of the work plan, procurement, project team building and monitoring and evaluation were found to be statistically significant.