Empowering urban sustainability: unveiling the crucial role of project managers in attaining Sustainable Development Goal 11
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business
ISSN: 1753-8378
Article publication date: 27 February 2024
Issue publication date: 19 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores project managers' (PMs') role in contributing to and achieving sustainability within construction projects, particularly focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 PMs working with construction firms in the UK. Thematic analysis was also performed on the qualitative data retrieved using the NVivo software.
Findings
The study’s findings revealed that PMs working on construction projects considered various sustainable construction processes in attempts to solve problems with traditional construction technology. Furthermore, it was revealed that the PM’s role was key in achieving the SDGs in general and SDG 11 in particular through the process of perfecting the client brief, ensuring the client’s financial stability and creating an environment of teamwork. In terms of specific competencies, sustainability leadership and sustainable innovative capability were revealed to suggest that a PM is the leader of change.
Originality/value
The study highlights the essential role of the PM in delivering sustainable construction projects as part of the drive to achieve SDG 11. The study impacts the construction industry in developing strategies and training programs that build PMs' competencies and skills for contributing to the world we want.
Keywords
Citation
Opoku, A., Saddul, K., Kapogiannis, G., Kugblenu, G. and Amudjie, J. (2024), "Empowering urban sustainability: unveiling the crucial role of project managers in attaining Sustainable Development Goal 11", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 225-246. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-09-2023-0217
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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