Original scientific paper
Perception of the Importance of Project Competencies in Local and Regional Self-Government Units: An Empirical Study With a Relevant Sample from Podravina Region
Zlatko Barilović
orcid.org/0000-0002-5211-4291
; University of Applied Sciences Baltazar Zaprešić, Croatia / Alma Mater Europaea University, Maribor, Slovenia
*
Martina Vukašina
; University of Applied Sciences Baltazar Zaprešić, Croatia
*
Maja Buljat
orcid.org/0000-0002-5500-6851
; University of Applied Sciences Baltazar Zaprešić, Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This research examines the perception of the importance of project competencies among employees in local and regional self-government units (LRSGUs), with a particular focus on the distinction between practical experience and theoretical knowledge within the framework of technical, contextual, and behavioral project competencies. In light of the growing need for effective management of development projects, especially those funded by the European Union, the study aims to fill a knowledge gap regarding how LRSGUs evaluate the project competencies of their employees. The theoretical framework is based on contemporary models and standards of project competencies, in line with relevant academic and professional literature, as well as guidelines from leading global organizations in project management, which generally classify competencies into three main categories. In addition to secondary research, primary quantitative research was conducted using a standardized survey questionnaire on a sample of employees from various LRSGUs, including a relevant organizations from the Podravina region, specifically the counties of Varaždin, Međimurje, Koprivnica-Križevci, Virovitica-Podravina, and Osijek-Baranja. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings indicate that LRSGUs recognize the high importance of project competencies among their employees, generally assigning greater value to practical experience than to formal knowledge. The results can contribute to the development of more effective human resource and education policies in public administration, as well as to strengthening human capital development strategies at the local and regional levels. Furthermore, the study provides a basis for formulating recommendations aimed at enhancing the institutional capacities of LRSGUs for implementing development projects in Croatia, which also includes the Podravina region, while also offering guidance relevant to the broader regional context of countries in the Drava region, such as Hungary and Slovenia.
Keywords
project management; project competencies; public administration; local and regional self-government; development projects; Podravina region
Hrčak ID:
346878
URI
Publication date:
21.12.2025.
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