By Samson Ademola
I have had to do many things before understanding the theory behind them. But when I finally encounter the theory, it connects the dots. It reassures me that what I built intuitively already aligns with best practice, and that’s deeply rewarding.
I have always loved research. It excites me because it gives meaning to data and structure to curiosity. During grad school, I even organised “researchers’ rendezvous” sessions where colleagues discussed ideas and methods simply for the joy of learning.
It’s no surprise I find project management equally fascinating. In many ways, both fields mirror each other:
1️⃣ They start with a problem.
In research, we call it a ‘research problem’; in project management, it’s a ‘development challenge’. The question is always: what gap needs to be filled? Clarity here determines whether the entire effort will make sense.
2️⃣ Both involve working with a defined group of people.
In research, it’s the study population or sample; in projects, it’s the target audience or beneficiaries. The ability to clearly identify who you’re working with and ensure they represent the realities you seek to address, determines the accuracy of findings or the success of interventions.
3️⃣ They build on existing knowledge.
In research, it’s the literature review; in projects, it’s context analysis or situational assessment. You don’t start from zero. You stand on what others have tried, failed at, or improved on.
4️⃣ Both depend on evidence.
A researcher collects data to prove or disprove a hypothesis; a project manager gathers evidence to measure progress and inform decisions. Monitoring and evaluation is simply the research mindset applied in real time.
5️⃣ Like research, projects test assumptions.
Every project, like every study, rests on a set of “if–then” beliefs. If we train people, then they will change behaviour. If we provide information, then governance will improve. Testing those assumptions honestly, and learning when they don’t hold, is where growth happens.
Recently, I watched GiveDirectly’s CEO describe their Universal Basic Income (UBI) project in East Africa as “an experiment, more like A/B testing” of the impact of giving people unconditional cash. It struck me because that’s what great projects do — they test, learn, and adapt.
In the end, research and project management are two sides of the same coin, both anchored on curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to learning what truly works.
💡 What is the one skill you mastered through doing before you ever learned what is obtainable in theory? I would love to hear your stories.