The impact of project management maturity on the choice of SME growth strategies: the case of Kazakhstan

This research examines the relationship between project management maturity (PMM) and the choice of growth strategy in knowledge-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kazakhstan. A mixed-method approach, with quantitative and qualitative methods was used, involving a survey and in-depth interviews with company executives. The primary data were collected from 1,011 SME executives. The findings confirm that Kazakh knowledge-oriented SMEs mostly pursue a steady growth strategy, and that their managing directors were competent in project management. The SMEs, however, were not yet geared for rapid development. The managing directors of the SMEs are currently unable to guide their enterprises to greater levels of business activity. There is, therefore, a need to further develop the confidence and competencies of the managing directors of SMEs in order to achieve the sustainable growth of Kazakh commerce in the SME business sector. The findings and recommendations of this research can inform business leaders about the key resources and capabilities required to transition from small to medium size business. The research also provides policymakers with insight into the effects of sustainable development policies on SMEs in the context of developing countries.