Impact of project planning and project risk management on project success: moderating role of project managers’ competencies in the construction sector in Afghanistan

This research examines the impact of project planning (ProP) and project risk management (RisM) on project success (ProS) while maintaining project managers’ competencies (PMC) as moderators using resource-based view theory concepts. This research addresses the gap in how ProP and RisM lead to ProS in the presence of a PMC as a moderator in construction-based private organisations. Utilising a convenience sampling technique, data were collected from 249 participants working in construction-based organizations across major cities in Afghanistan. Data were analysed using Smart-PLS and SPSS software. Supporting theories for this study are the theory of knowledge reuse and the social exchange theory concepts. Analysis revealed that ProP significantly and positively impacted ProS. RisM was also found to have a positive effect on project success. The results showed that project managers’ competencies moderated the relationship between ProP and ProS. The findings indicated that PMC moderates the connection between project risk management and ProS. Implementing project planning methodologies, a construction project manager’s competency improves team outcomes through risk management and boosts project success. The study’s limitations, future suggestions, and managerial implications are also discussed.