How does strategic uncertainty and project sponsorship relate to project performance? A study of Australian project managers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model on the contingent effects of project sponsorship on project performance.Design/methodology/approach – The propositions are tested with survey data from project managers and senior managers with project management oversight in Australian companies.Findings – The results support the hypotheses that the level of perceived management priority has both a direct effect on project sponsorship and project outcomes, and a moderating effect on the effect of project sponsorship on project outcomes.Research limitations/implications – This is an exploratory study into the relationship between project sponsorship and project performance. The model proposed is validated from a sample of Australian project managers. Further studies are needed to validate/modify the model in other culture/contexts.Practical implications – The findings suggest that organisations could improve their overall project performance by demonstrating management attention to and app...