The implementation of project management knowledge areas in construction industry: the case of Iraq

Purpose This study aims to determine whether each project management knowledge area is applied sufficiently in the construction industry and to explore whether perceived experience affects the extent of application of the knowledge areas. Moreover, the knowledge areas were ranked based on their mean values, and the corresponding standard deviations were also extracted. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire was distributed to a purposive sampling, and the data were analyzed through demographic description, descriptive analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Moreover, knowledge areas were ranked based on the mean and standard deviation values were extracted. Findings The implementation of project management knowledge areas in the Iraqi construction industry is insufficient. Experience has a statistically significant positive impact on the extent of application of all project management knowledge areas. The three most affected knowledge areas are “risk management,” “schedule management” and “quality management”. Practical implications Construction companies should tailor specific training programs aimed at improving the competencies of construction professionals. Important areas to focus on are communication, managing project details and using resources effectively. Additionally, the results can guide policymakers in updating public construction project requirements to mandate the adoption of comprehensive project management frameworks, thus improving project outcomes at the national level. Originality/value This study uniquely focuses on exploring the project management knowledge areas and the perceived understanding of the degree of implementation of project management knowledge. Moreover, it sheds light on the highest-ranked most affected knowledge areas in Iraq in particular and in developing countries in general.