INTEGRATING PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES WITH HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE WORKERS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to examine the integration of project management strategies with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) practices in Pakistan, focusing on the relationship between project management practices (PMP) and HSE integration, the impact of project management levels (low, middle, top) and gender on the implementation of HSE practices, and the influence of demographic variables such as age, education, experience, and level of management on the effective integration of these practices. Methods: A quantitative research design was employed, involving 150 participants from various sectors in Pakistan. Data were collected through structured questionnaires focusing on project management practices (PMP) and HSE practices (HSEP). Statistical methods, including correlation analysis, regression analysis, and descriptive statistics, were applied to examine the relationships between the variables and assess the impact of demographic factors on the integration of these practices. The study also utilized t-tests for analyzing gender differences. Results: The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between project management practices and HSE practices (r = 0.660, p < 0.01). Gender differences in the implementation of HSE practices were minimal, with males slightly outperforming females in project management practices. Demographic variables, such as education and experience, significantly influenced the integration of project management and HSE practices. The level of management (low, middle, top) did not show a significant effect on the integration of these strategies. Gender was found to significantly affect project management practices, with males reporting higher integration (B = 12.027, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The study concludes that integrating project management practices with HSE practices significantly enhances project outcomes and reduces risks. While gender did not have a major impact on the integration of HSE practices, educational background and work experience were crucial in the successful integration of these strategies. Policymakers and industry leaders are encouraged to improve training and awareness regarding the integration of project management and HSE practices, particularly by addressing gender disparities in the project management field. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and other influencing factors, such as organizational culture.