Back to Basics in Project Delivery Management:

The Role of Competency Frameworks in

Strengthening Professional Project Management

COMMENTARY

By Fortune Mbele

Project Management South Africa (PMSA)
Global Alliance for Project Profession (GAPPS)

South Africa

Abstract

The rapid evolution of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and agile delivery approaches is reshaping the project management profession. Despite these developments, the fundamental principles of project management: Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Risk, and Stakeholder engagement, remain essential for effective project delivery. This article examines the importance of revisiting foundational project management practices through a competency-based perspective. Drawing on competency frameworks such as the Global Alliance for Project Performance Standards and professional designation structures implemented by Project Management South Africa, the article clarifies the distinction between frameworks and methodologies and highlights the role of demonstrable competency in project success. The discussion illustrates how competency frameworks support lifecycle-based project delivery and enable project managers to effectively apply knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours in complex organizational environments.

1. Introduction

Project management as a discipline has evolved significantly over the past decades as organizations increasingly rely on projects to implement strategic change, digital transformation, and innovation initiatives. However, despite the emergence of agile methods, hybrid approaches, and digital project management tools, research consistently highlights the importance of foundational project management principles in achieving successful project outcomes.

Industry reports by the Project Management Institute demonstrate that organizations with mature project management capabilities achieve significantly higher project success rates and improved benefits realization compared to those with lower levels of project management maturity. Organizations that prioritize leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills experience substantially better project outcomes.

Academic research similarly emphasizes that project success is strongly linked to effective governance, stakeholder management, and disciplined planning rather than the specific delivery methodology used. Classical studies on project success factors by Murphy, Baker, and Fisher (1974), Pinto and Slevin (1987), and Morris and Hough (1993) identified key determinants of project success such as clear objectives, executive support, stakeholder communication, and effective project leadership.

These findings suggest that while methodologies continue to evolve, the underlying competencies required for effective project management remain largely consistent.

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How to cite this work: Mbele, F. (2026).  Back to Basics in Project Delivery Management: The Role of Competency Frameworks in Strengthening Professional Project Management, commentary, PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue IV, April.  Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/pmwj163-Apr2026-Mbele-Back-to-Basics-in-Project-Management-commentary.pdf

About the Author

Fortune Mbele

South Africa

Fortune  Mbele is a seasoned Industrial Engineer and Project Management Professional with more than 15 years of experience leading Projects within ICT and Real Estate ( PropTech) projects across South Africa’s retail, higher education, and technology sectors. He currently serves as National President of Project Management South Africa (PMSA), where he enforces governance, professional development, and continental expansion initiatives.

Fortune has held senior project leadership roles at various organisations delivering multimillion-rand programs that blend Agile, SAFe, Traditional (waterfall) and Hybrid methodologies. Known for his ability to simplify complexity, align diverse stakeholders, and embed governance frameworks, he is also pursuing an MSc in Project Management at UCT where he is looking at investigating a hybrid project management approach that balances Agile flexibility with governance accountability and compliance, specifically within rigid governance and complex stakeholder dynamics organisations.

His career reflects a commitment to advancing project management standards, professionalising project management, empowering teams, and shaping sustainable, strategic outcomes across industries. Fortune can be contacted at fortunembele@gmail.com