Enhancing project management performance through green innovation, quality planning and strategic leadership

This study investigates the impact of green innovation strategy on project management performance in the food sector of Saudi Arabia, examining the mediating roles of strategic quality planning and strategic leadership. Using a cross-sectional quantitative approach, data were collected in January 2025 from 341 employees through a convenience sampling technique. Structural equation modeling via SmartPLS was employed to analyze the data. Results indicate that green innovation strategy positively influences strategic quality planning (β = 0.655) and strategic leadership (β = 0.541), which in turn significantly enhance project management performance (β = 0.566 and β = 0.657, respectively). Additionally, strategic quality planning (β = 0.456) and strategic leadership (β = 0.505) partially mediate the relationship between green innovation strategy and project management performance. These findings highlight the critical role of green innovation and strategic management practices in improving project outcomes within Saudi Arabia’s food industry.