Journal of Project Management (Canada) | 2026
Authors: Timaná G.M.D.; Ariza H.T.J.; Mejía J.C.
DOI: 10.5267/j.jpm.2026.1.001
Journal: Journal of Project Management (Canada)
Year: 2026
Publisher: Growing Science
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
This study uses the PMI® framework as a reference to analyse the impact of Project Management (PM) competencies on organisational competitiveness and productivity in southwestern Colombia. The research evaluates three key dimensions: Organisational Practices in PM (PMP), Skills, Attitudes and Values (HABI) and their influence on Business Competitiveness (COMPE) and Productivity and Innovation Indicators (PROD). A survey was conducted with 221 CESMAG University Project Management Postgraduate Programme graduates (2016–2023). Data were collected using Likert-type scales and analysed using structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to ensure the reliability and validity of the constructs. The results confirm that both organisational practices and individual competencies significantly enhance competitiveness and productivity. PMP was found to have a positive effect on strategic performance indicators, while HABI was found to have an even stronger influence on innovation and value creation. These findings emphasise the strategic importance of postgraduate training in project management (PM) for regional development. Beyond academic contributions, the study provides actionable insights for businesses, universities and policymakers, demonstrating how strengthening PM competencies can foster innovation, operational efficiency and sustainable competitiveness in emerging economies. © 2026 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada.
Competencies; Competitive Impact; Multivariate Regression Model; Postgraduate; Productive Impact; Project Management