Effect of using project management tools and techniques on SMEs performance in developing country context

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight, through a theoretical and empirical analysis, the expected effects of the use of tools and techniques of project management on the performance of SMEs in Africa. Design/methodology/approach The study uses data from a questionnaire survey of 157 SMEs in Senegal. The sample was chosen for convenience. Also, for data processing, the author mobilized descriptive statistics, factor analysis and regression analysis. Findings Regardless of size, SMEs use project management tools and techniques. Their use positively and significantly influences their business and social performance. Also, the size of the SME is positively and significantly associated with the use of tools and techniques; however, the results show that the older the SME, the less it uses such tools and techniques. Research limitations/implications This research provides an overview of the tools and techniques of project management used by SMEs and their contribution to performance, everything that can support them in choosing the appropriate tools and techniques to respond to their needs. A limitation of this research is that it does not mention the tools that contribute the most to the performance of the SMEs. Originality/value Contrary to the results of some previous research studies on SMEs in Africa, showing that the way in which SMEs operate in Africa is often characterized by less use of formal management tools, for cultural and institutional reasons, this research shows that these have a very appreciable degree of openness to project management tools and techniques.