Paper Title
The Impact of Client’s Behaviours on Project Constraints
Abstract
Despite the importance of clients in project management, there is a gap in project management literature when it comes to their impact on project constraints. Project constraints are the boundaries, the line note to cross, the success criteria of every project. A successful project must meet clients’ expectations within the project limitations. It is the responsibility of the project manager and his team to make sure that the end product or service meet project specifications within set constraints. Challenges arise when clients’ behaviours are not perceived as impacting project delivery regarding due date performance and project expenditure. The aim of this research was to investigate how client’s behaviours impact project “success” and influencing the project “progress” in the web development industry. A mixed method was used to conduct the research by means of qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaires and interview questions were given to employees working in the above-mentioned industry in the Cape Town area. The research findings reveal that the way client behaves or act impact (negatively and positively) on web development projects execution and on overall project success. Lack of client consistency regarding project specifications was the main issue leading to scope creep resulting in delays and cost overruns. Clients’ behaviours and attitude thus have can positively or negatively influence project delivery; therefore, clients should be aware of that fact. It is recommended that organisations should consider client requirements changes and how they impact affect project success before putting blame on project team when a project is delayed and/or over budget.
Keywords - Project Constraints; Client’s behaviour; Wed development project; Project success.