The Effect of PMBOK Knowledge Areas on Critical Success Factors in Oil and Gas Projects in Iran

The complicated nature of oil and gas projects demands the deployment of integrated project management methodologies to achieve the project objectives. However, the availability of alternative methods, high rate of project failure, and limited available resources can make decision making a challenge for project managers. Therefore, the objective of this research is to provide insight to project managers and oil and gas companies on the effect of PMBOK knowledge areas on critical success factors in oil and gas industry in Iran. Two pre-existing survey questionnaires (PIP and PMPQ) are deployed to collect data on demographic information, PMBOK knowledge areas and critical success factors. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed among project managers, senior managers and project experts in oil and gas organizations in Iran and 72 acceptable responses were received and analyzed through structural equation modelling (SEM). The overall positive relationship between the variables are observed. The results of SEM analysis indicated that the scope management is the most effective knowledge area with the weight equals to 0.855 followed by communication management and risk management with the weights equal to 0.818 and 0.756 respectively.