Description

Eskom has an internal procurement support function to source goods and services required in the organisation. The relationship between procurement and project management in Eskom tends to be confrontational rather than cooperative in order to meet project objectives. The research question in this study is: “Whether or not an integrated team approach between the procurement and project management functions would ensure that the challenges are addressed to ultimately lead to project success”.
With the purpose of answering the research question and to achieve the main objective of the study, the researcher applied a qualitative research method to identify the technical, general and risk questions of the study. These methods were researched by consulting various resources. The data collection period lasted from 2012 to 26 February 2016.
The research was accomplished by means of a questionnaire to gather information on an integrated team approach between the procurement and project management functions.
Specific technical and general questions were researched during the study. The findings of the research have shown that Eskom has developed project management within the organisation, however, project management principles have not been effectively implemented or universally accepted by Eskom employees.
The matters needing attention, which the study has identified within the project management environment, include effective integration between project management and other organisational functions.
Indications are that there is an opportunity to build on the current body of available resources with skills in project management methodologies. As the financial benefits of project management are not measured in Eskom, an opportunity also exists to encourage the sharing of knowledge by scheduling time for workshops to share project requirements and procurement knowledge.
Procurement processes are ineffective and time consuming. Furthermore, effective cooperation needs to be improved and common ownership of problems should be recognised. Therefore, within the ambit of cooperation, there is an opportunity to improve information dissemination and communication and, to address technology restraints.