This study uses the PMI® framework as a reference to analyse the impact of Project Management (PM) competencies on organisational competitiveness and productivity in southwestern Colombia. The research evaluates three key dimensions: Organisational Practices in PM (PMP), Skills, Attitudes and Values (HABI) and their influence on Business Competitiveness (COMPE) and Productivity and Innovation Indicators (PROD). A survey was conducted with 221 CESMAG University Project Management Postgraduate Programme graduates (2016–2023). Data were collected using Likert-type scales and analysed using structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to ensure the reliability and validity of the constructs. The results confirm that both organisational practices and individual competencies significantly enhance competitiveness and productivity. PMP was found to have a positive effect on strategic performance indicators, while HABI was found to have an even stronger influence on innovation and value creation. These findings emphasise the strategic importance of postgraduate training in project management (PM) for regional development. Beyond academic contributions, the study provides actionable insights for businesses, universities and policymakers, demonstrating how strengthening PM competencies can foster innovation, operational efficiency and sustainable competitiveness in emerging economies.

This study assesses the green project management competencies of students in the College of Business at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. This study uses a structured questionnaire to evaluate ten competencies: teamwork, leadership, communication, conflict management, achievement motivation, cognitive skills, adaptability, self-control, negotiation, and social awareness. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cronbach Alpha results revealed that effective communication was the strongest competency, explaining 71.6% of the variance, followed by leadership (65.3%) and teamwork (60.6%). Self-control demonstrated the highest reliability (α = 0.966), emphasizing students’ ability to manage stress effectively. Conflict management explained 48.9% of the variance, while adaptability accounted for 57.4%, reflecting students’ resilience and flexibility. Cognitive skills explained 51.7%, highlighting critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Negotiation explained 63.8%, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, and social awareness accounted for 50.1%, reflecting cultural sensitivity and empathy. Achievement motivation explained 54.8%, underscoring students’ proactive and goal-oriented behaviors. These findings provide valuable insights into strengths and gaps in student competencies, offering a basis for targeted improvements. Green project management competencies are vital for advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Green project management competencies are integral to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Cognitive skills, teamwork, and communication enhance critical thinking and innovation, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education). Leadership and adaptability drive sustainable initiatives, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Additionally, teamwork and social awareness foster inclusive urban development (SDG 11), while self-control and resilience enable effective climate action (SDG 13). By aligning academic training with industry demands, this study supports the global sustainability agenda and Saudi Vision 2030. The study provides policymakers in Saudi Arabia with valuable insights into aligning educational strategies with industry demands, highlighting key gaps in green project management competencies. By addressing these gaps, policymakers can enhance curriculum design to develop sustainability-focused skills, advancing Saudi Vision 2030 goals for workforce readiness, economic growth, and global sustainability leadership