This study evaluates effective project management strategies that enable sustained market competitiveness within South Africa’s e-commerce sector. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach grounded in the pragmatic paradigm, combining a quantitative survey of 30 e-commerce firms with qualitative semi-structured interviews of five project managers. The aim is to identify critical success factors, operational challenges, and best practices that align with international standards while reflecting the contextual realities of South Africa. The findings reveal that strategic planning, leadership innovation, and risk management are the most influential practices driving project success. However, persistent barriers such as logistical constraints, limited infrastructure, and skill shortages continue to impede competitiveness. Agile and hybrid methodologies were found to be the most widely adopted frameworks, underscoring the importance of flexibility and cross-functional collaboration in a dynamic digital market. Thematic analysis highlights the significance of customer experience, omnichannel strategies, and AI-driven personalisation in sustaining customer loyalty and operational efficiency. The study concludes that achieving long-term competitiveness in South African e-commerce requires integrating global best practices with localised project management adaptations. This entails strategic investment in digital infrastructure, workforce upskilling, and innovation-driven leadership.

Keywords

E-Commerce, Project Management, Market Competitiveness, South Africa, Strategic Planning