Small Projects In Palestine: the Difficulties and Planning Patterns in which, a Case Study on Nablus

Small projects play a vital role in the development of the economy of the majority of the countries of the world. In Palestine, our experience in this field is limited mainly due to the prevailing and the past political situations. The current study aimed at evaluating the success, obstacles and the role of planning for such projects in the district of Nablus. The study involved 606 projects located in Nablus district. To evaluate the above criteria, a specially designed questionnaire was prepared. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Our findings clearly showed the most effective factor for the success of such projects was the skilled personnel and administration as 92.2% of the owners of such projects were skilled individuals and 91.7% were with good administration experience. With respect to the major obstacles facing these projects, transportations, Israeli occupation regulations regarding export and import, road blocks, imposed taxes and the lack ofaccess to technology were the most important factors that limit the growth and development of such projects. Statistical analysis showed significant variations with respect to the success and the above mentioned limitations of growth and development of these projects. It was also found that statistically significant variations were in favor of those with projects run by high level educated personnel and in favor of projects near vital commercial centers. Success was also associated with the increased number of employee in such projects. Success was also in favor of limited number of shareholders. We do believe that in order to assure the continuity of success of such project, the concerned governmental bodies should encourage such projects as their success will be reflected on the economy of the country as well as the well being of the people. This can be achieved through tax exemption especially at the early stages of establishment, imposing higher taxes on imported goods, finding other markets for products and long term loans that may required for the development of such projects.