Perceptions of the impact of project sponsorship practices on project success

This paper reports the results of a survey of project sponsor activities and perceived levels of project success amongst 238 UK-based practitioners. Exploratory factor analysis was used to develop a multi-dimensional classification framework of project sponsorship incorporating activities linked to the sponsor being the interface between client and project and activities linked to the sponsor providing general support and being a champion. Stepwise regression was used to explore which classes of sponsor activity are predictors of perceived project success. The findings contribute to theory by conceptualising project sponsorship as a multi-dimensional construct and by confirming sponsorship as a project Critical Success Factor. Implications for practice include the need for organisations to recognise the broad role of the sponsor and to ensure that training and development of project sponsors is aligned with the multi-dimensional perspective.