Career Choice: Women in Project-Based Work - Research Report

This report investigates the career choices and experiences of women in project-based work, focusing on the underrepresentation of women in top management positions within the field. It examines the historical context, current statistics, and potential reasons for this disparity, including skill gaps and gender-based discrimination. The study outlines the research aim and objectives, which include understanding the barriers women face, and developing strategies to increase female participation. The methodology involves a qualitative research design, using both primary and secondary data sources such as industry reports, surveys, and interviews. The report includes a conceptual framework, hypothesis, and a detailed outline of the research process, including data collection, sampling, and analysis methods. Ultimately, this research aims to provide insights that can inform policy and practice, fostering a more inclusive and equitable project management environment. The report also includes a project budget, Gantt chart, and questionnaire as appendices.

Running Head: CAREER CHOICE 1
Career Choice and the Experience of Women in Project-Based Work
Name
Institution

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Executive Summary
Project management has become an important field in the modern society. For a long time,
project based work was a male dominated field. However, over the past few decades, the number
of women professionals in the field has increases significantly. However, the male professionals
still dominate the field. By and large, this disparity can be attributed to the fact that most women
lack the practical skills and expertise required in the project management field, therefore are less
in number. In this regard, this study seeks to establish the reasons behind why the field remains
male-dominated in a world that is changing and women professionals are thriving with
qualifications and experiences that are just as good as that of their male counterparts. The report
is divided into various sections among them introduction, problem statement, research aim and
objectives, justification and potential outcomes, conceptual framework, methodology,
organization of the study, budget and the Gantt chart.

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Contents
1.0 Introduction...........................................................................................................................................5
2.0 Problem Statement.................................................................................................................................6
3.0 Research Aim and Objectives................................................................................................................7
3.1 Research Aim....................................................................................................................................7
3.2 Objectives..........................................................................................................................................7
4.0 Justification of the project and potential research outcome...................................................................7
4.1 Hypothesis.........................................................................................................................................8
4.2 Variables............................................................................................................................................9
5.0 Conceptual Framework..........................................................................................................................9
6.0 Methodology.......................................................................................................................................10
6.1 Literature Synopsis..........................................................................................................................10
6.2 Research approach and sources of data............................................................................................10
6.3 Data Series.......................................................................................................................................10
6.4 Surveys and data collection.............................................................................................................11
6.5 Sampling..........................................................................................................................................11
6.6 Data Presentation and Analysis.......................................................................................................12
6.7 Discussion and further research.......................................................................................................12
7.0 Organization of the study.................................................................................................................12
7.0 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................13
References.................................................................................................................................................13
Appendix...................................................................................................................................................15
Appendix 1: Project budget..................................................................................................................15
APPENDIX 2: Schedule/Gantt Chart...................................................................................................16
Appendix 3: QUESTIONAIRE.............................................................................................................17

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List of Tables
Table 1: Budget for the project.................................................................................................................15
Table 2: Gantt chart...................................................................................................................................16

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Career Choice and the Experience of Women in Project-Based Work
1.0 Introduction
Project management has become an important field in the modern society. It is rapidly growing
into one of the most effective methods of completing small and large projects. The success of a
project is one of the most important aspects of the field. Although there are numerous factors that
may influence the success or failure of a project, the responsibility of the performance of the
project lays on the hands of the project manager (Neuhauser, 2007). For a long time, project
based work was a male dominated field (Henderson & Stackman, 2010). However, over the past
few decades, the number of women professionals in the field has increases significantly.
However, the male professionals still dominate the field. Statistics show that there are at least
times more men in the project management field than women (Maxwell, 2007). In 2008, the
membership satisfaction study indicated that the members were 70 percent male and only 30
percent were female (Maxwell, 2007). By and large, this disparity can be attributed to the fact
that most women lack the practical skills and expertise required in the project management field,
therefore are less in number (Henderson & Stackman, 2010). Furthermore, women working in
the field face some form of discrimination from their superiors and team (Burba, 2010). In this
regard, it is important to identify the essential skills that female project managers should possess
to excel in the field. It is also important to identify and understand why female project managers
are subjected to discrimination and undermining of their authority by their team members.

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2.0 Problem Statement
One of the most significant trends in the labor force is the persistent rise in the number of women
in the rise over the past few decades. As such, the past few years has seen a significant increase
in the number of women professionals in different fields and industries across the world.
Notably, the number of women in top positions has substantially increased in private,
government and public sector organizations (Henderson, Stackman & Koh, 2008). The hope has
been that the increase in the number of women professionals would increase both vertically and
horizontally. However, the vertical rise has been significantly strained as the number of women
in top management positions is still significantly low. In the project management field, the
worrying statistic also applies. As such, women in the project management field are not
breaking into the higher ranking positions such as the project manager position. In a 2008 study
by US-based project management professionals, only 32 percent are women. In turn, this
supports the view that the project management field remains dominated by men. Therefore, this
is a significant problem that needs to be addressed. In this regard, this study seeks to establish the
reasons behind why the field remains male-dominated in a world that is changing and women
professionals are thriving with qualifications and experiences that are just as good as that of their
male counterparts.

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3.0 Research Aim and Objectives
3.1 Research Aim
The main goal of this study is to find out the reason why there are very few women in top
management positions in the project management field despite the fact they are just as qualified
as their male counterparts.
3.2 Objectives
1. To understand the reasons behind the low number of women in top positions in the
project management field
2. To examine the barriers that block women from getting the top management positions in
the project management field
3. To develop strategies to increase the number of women in the project management field
4.0 Justification of the project and potential research outcome
As the field of project management continues to grow into one of the most important industries
globally, there is a need to establish equality in the opportunities available for both men and
women professionals in the field. Yet, until now, the relative number of women and men in the
field is very low. What is more, the number of women in the top level positions in the field is
even more worrying (Crawford, Loyd-Walker, & French, 2015). Furthermore, there is strong
evidence that women working in the field are paid less than their male colleagues. As work is
increasingly project-based, the persistent under-representation, exploitation and discrimination of
women in the field are indicative of the occupational segregation that exists in this section of the

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labor market (Crawford et al., 2015). Therefore, this study will help to identify the reasons
behind these problems and help create a strategic solution for the problem.
It is worth pointing out that the objectives of the study will bring various reasonable solutions to
help resolve and address the problem that exist in the industry. Particularly, it will help to
understand the reasons behind the low number of women in top positions in the project
management field and therefore help in creating solutions that will help improve the penetration
of women in the project management field. Additionally, it will help identify and examine the
barriers that block women from getting the top management positions in the project management
field. Consequently, this will provide a basis for removing the barriers to encourage the
participation of women in the management of projects. Most importantly, it will help to develop
strategies to increase the number of women in the project management field.
Fundamentally, the expected outcome and results from the study will be used by various
stakeholders in the labor market to improve the market conditions in the field of project
management. Particularly, the findings of this study will go a long way in advising policy makers
in the labor market to initiate reforms in the project management field to help improve the
chances of women joining its labor force. It will also help in creating an environment that offers
opportunities to women to access the top level positions in the field. Also, it will help to remove
the barriers that exist in the field that constrain the achievements of women in project-based
professions.
4.1 Hypothesis
H1: There is no reason behind the low number of women in top positions.
H2: There are significant reasons behind the low number of women in top positions.

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4.2 Variables
Dependent Variables
Women in top management positions in the project management field
Independent variable
Skills and experience of women professionals
5.0 Conceptual Framework
In 2008, Henderson, Stackman & Koh conducted a study on women project managers. In this
study they explore the job of women project managers and find out the various challenges that
these professionals face while working in the top level positions in the field. According to the
study, women at the top face more challenges than their male counterparts. Mainly, this
attributed to the fact that women are still subjected to marginalization from second generation
gender bias. However, the study also highlights how these women have learnt to leverage the
challenges and issue selling circumstances to their advantage and surpass the gender bias that
exists in their industry.
Likewise, Gale and Cartwright (1995) highlight the significant under-representation of women in
management, and especially project management. In this study, Gale and Cartwright (1995)
describe the issue of women in the project management field as a special case and seek to
determine the reasons behind the significantly low number of women in the project management
industry. Thus the study forms a basis and provides very useful information that informs this
study about the influence of organizational cultures that traditionally characterize the industry
sector as male dominated.

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In the same way, Henderson and Stackman (2010) conducted a study to examine and explore the
role of gender in the field of project management field. As such, they explore whether or not
gender differences in project managers are linked to the gender differences of their team
members. The study further highlights the fact that despite the fact women are being assigned
more roles in project management, the field is still regarded as being male-dominated. The study
also reports that there are unexpected differences between gender and team members ages and
functional specialization.
6.0 Methodology
6.1 Literature Synopsis
To assess the current issues affecting the experience of women in management, which includes
the economic situation, the performance of women in the workplace, experience and knowledge
gained
6.2 Research approach and sources of data
This study will use a qualitative research design to collect data and analyze the information
obtained to make conclusions about the research findings. A qualitative study is more applicable
in this case because the data to be collected is mainly qualitative in terms of the experiences and
views of women in the project management field. To conduct this study, the researcher will first
have to identify the sources of data from manufacturing and production industries, association
reports, and other reports that are publicly available.
6.3 Data Series
This report shall utilize both primary and secondary sources of data. The secondary data will be
collected from the various industries that utilize project management services such as

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manufacturing, production and construction. In addition, further research will be conducted to
obtain more data from internet based research papers.
6.4 Surveys and data collection
In order to support the findings from secondary data, this study will also conduct interviews with
employees from project management firms. The respondents will mainly comprise of women in
order to get their views on the existing gender inequalities in the field. Additionally, the research
will issue questionnaires to sampled respondents in order to obtain more information about the
challenges faced by women in project management. Therefore, by combining the data collected
from the various data sources, strategies for future workplace for women working in the project
management field will be discussed.
6.5 Sampling
As noted earlier, the study will also utilize primary data collection methods such as interviewing
and questionnaires. In this case, a sample is required. Therefore, the study will conduct sampling
using the random sampling technique. Thus, all women in top management positions in the
project management field across the country have an equal chance of being chosen to take part in
the study as respondents. The study intends to utilize a sample size of 100 respondents,
comprising of 50 women in top management positions, 20 male in the same position, 20 women
in the industry but not in management and 10 men working in the industry and not in the
management position. All respondents will be selected randomly and requested to partake in the
study by answering the questionnaire and interview questions.

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6.6 Data Presentation and Analysis
After the data has been collected, primary data will be transcribed, coded and then analyzed to
make inferences about the findings of the study. In this case, the information collected in the
questionnaires and interviews will be recorded and transcribed in order to create meaning from
them. Given that the data is mainly qualitative, a Qualitative Analysis tool such as ANOVA will
be used to analyze and interpret the results of the study. On the other hand, qualitative data from
employee databases will also be analyzed and recorded for interpretation using a multiple
regression analysis. Afterwards, the results and findings from the study will be presented with
the help of bar graphs. In this case, the findings of the study can be used to make conclusions
about the inclusion of women in the project management industry in top management positions.
6.7 Discussion and further research
Further research should be conducted to examine the gender gap differences and its effects on
the contextual factors like the management of contemporary projects. Negative attitudes and
perceptions have been associated with the abilities of women since they first entered the
workforce(Porterfield & Kleiner, 2005). In various occasion it is seen that the leadership
qualities exhibited by female employees could be viewed insufficient in the workplace to
manage the project roles. In order to overcome the hurdles of management, organizations must
develop and support strategies that could encourage women to develop leadership skills.
7.0 Organization of the study
The study will follow a specific sequence from the beginning to its completion. The first step is
to develop the project proposal and then develop the conceptual framework and the methodology
of the study. Once all the required data has been collected, a data analysis will be conducted.
Afterwards, a discussion of the findings will be done to discuss the findings of the study. After
the discussion section, there will be a conclusion that summarizes the entire study. Lastly, a
recommendation section will be provided at the end of the document to provide
recommendations for future studies.

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As a whole, the research will cost the researcher approximately $4700 to cater for costs
associated with obtaining resources for literature reviews, printing and distribution of
questionnaires, interview expenses, and data analysis (Refer to Appendix 1). The project is also
expected to take a period of 12 weeks from begin to conclusion (Appendix 2).
7.0 Conclusion
All factors taken into consideration, the role of women in top management positions in the field
of project management is still limited. Women have great potential and qualifications and can
work just as their male counterparts. However, pre-existing gender bias and challenges have
limited the opportunities available to women in this field. Therefore, this study seeks to
determine these barriers and provide a solution to the problem in a manner that the participation
and inclusion of women in the top management positions will be increased.
References
Burba, D. (2010). Equal ground? PM Network, 24(9), 38-42.

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Crawford, L., Lloyd-Walker, B., & French, E. (2015). Career Choice and the Experience of
Project-Based Work. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 194(2), 55–64.
Gale, A., & Cartwright, S. (1995). Women in project management: entry into a male domain?: a
discussion on gender and organizational culture – part 1. Leadership & Organization
Development Journal, 16(2), 3–8.
Henderson, L. S., Stackman, R., & Koh, C. Y. (2008). Women project managers: the exploration
of their job challenges and issue selling behaviors. International Journal of Managing
Projects in Business, 6(4), 761-791.
Henderson, L. S., & Stackman, R. (2010). An exploratory study of gender in project
management: interrelationships with role, location, technology, and project cost. Project
Management Journal, 41(5), 37–55.
Maxwell, W. (2007). Success strategies for the female project leader. North America, Atlanta,
GA: Project Management Institute.
Neuhauser, C. (2007). Project manager leadership behaviors and frequency of use by female
project managers. Newtown Square, Pennsylvania: Project Management Institute.

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Appendix
Appendix 1: Project budget
Table 1: Budget for the project
Item Cost estimate
Literature review (purchase published articles,
peer-reviewed articles and books)
$200
Printing and distribution of questionnaires $1000
Interview expenses $2000
Data analysis $1500
Total Budget $4700

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APPENDIX 2: Schedule/Gantt Chart
Table 2: Gantt chart
MONTH (insert as suitable to your schedule)
Task description Week
1
Week
2
Week3 Wee
k 4
Week
5
Wee
k 6
Week
7
Week
8
Wee
k 9
Week
10
Wee
k 11
Week
12
Research aim and objectives
Conducting literature review
Identifying relevant research
methodology
primary data collection
process
Gathering secondary data
Data analysis
Finishing analysis and
findings
Critical discussion of the
findings
Proof reading
Final submissions

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Appendix 3: QUESTIONAIRE
Dear Respondent,
Thank you for taking part in this research. This research aims seeks to establish the reasons
behind why the field remains male-dominated in a world that is changing and women
professionals are thriving with qualifications and experiences that are just as good as that of their
male counterparts. Please assist us by filling this questionnaire as truthful as possible. Please note
that your responses will remain anonymous and will not be disclosed to any third party outside
the study. The information will only be used for purposes of the study.
Questions
1. How many years have you been working in the project management industry?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______
2. What are the educational qualifications for top management positions in the project
management field?
________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. What are the requirements and skills required for top management positions in the
industry?
________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

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4. Do you feel men and women in the field have equal opportunities for top level jobs?
Yes No
If Yes, Why?
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
5. What are the barriers blocking women for top jobs in this field?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
6. How can the barriers be reduced to ensure equality in the industry
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your participation in this research.
Yours Faithfully,