The Role of Project Management Processes in Enhancing Entrepreneurship Through Business Growth in the North West of England

Agunwah, A. U. C. (2019) The Role of Project Management Processes in Enhancing Entrepreneurship Through Business Growth in the North West of England. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

This study explores potential synergies between entrepreneurship and project management across North West of England. It investigates entrepreneurial activities involved in business growth and examines whether project management processes are relevant within such a context. These activities are uncovered through the lens of the theory of planned behaviour. Extensive reviews of the relevant literature provided an insight into the research questions, set out research objectives, and the theoretical perspective of this study. The study adopted a qualitative research method to gain in-depth insight of the theory of planned behaviour as a lens in understanding entrepreneurial activities and project management processes from the perspective of business growth. The participants for this study were 40 successful entrepreneurs in the North West region of England. Non-probability sampling was used in the target population selection and face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were employed as the data collection technique. The data collected were analysed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis with the theory of planned behaviour serving as a lens. The findings present an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the integral link between entrepreneurship and project management, which is presented as entrepreneurial activities and project management processes framework consisting of the three major aspects. These aspects include the theory of planned behaviour intentional antecedents (main themes), entrepreneurial activities ‘growth drivers' (sub-theme), and project management processes (sub-themes). The framework showed that entrepreneurs need different growth drivers (entrepreneurial activities), project management processes, and cognitive elements for business growth. The novelty of study is highlighted in its contribution to business growth of successful entrepreneurs in the North West of England by focusing on the relationship between entrepreneurial activities and project management process. It provided evidence of strong links between the two fields, which rarely exist in the literature. In general, the implications for both practice and theory highlighted from the thesis indicated the need for further studies exploring questions around whether entrepreneurship and project management should be integrated. Consequently, the study also offers useful policy implications for countries seeking to nurture entrepreneurship activities to business growth and sustain long-run economic growth.