PROJECT MANAGEMENT: THE NEED FOR INNOVATION.

This paper stresses the need for more effective project management in all countries as a critical function in maximizing the effectiveness of human resources, and in conserving both financial and natural resources. Despite more than a quarter century of intensive investment in all sectors of the economy, there has been negligible increase in the quality of life of the poor in most countries. Experience further demonstrates that traditional (Western) project management training programs are not meeting the needs and often result in costly mistakes in many countries in the world, including the United States. A review of educational and training programs of a number of universities in the United States and Asia as well as of international funding agencies demonstrates the fragmentary nature of existing project management educational programs. To overcome this problem, a new and comprehensive approach to project management education and training which considers the entire project cycle is advocated.