INFLUENCE OF PROJECT PLANNING ON ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS PERFORMANCE IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate influence of project planning on success of road construction projects within Uasin Gishu County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives, that is, to determine how project time planning, project cost planning, project scope planning, project risk planning influences the success of road construction projects in Uasin Gishu County. The study was based on the following theories, that is; Complexity Theory, Theory of Constraints, Resource Based View Theory and Network Theory. This study adopted descriptive research design. The target population of this study was 51 employees in 15 government road construction projects which are in construction within Uasin Gishu County. Census was adopted in this study where project managers in each road project were involved in the study totaling to 51 respondents. The study relied on primary data which was collected through use of a questionnaire. The questionnaire contained semi-structured questions. The study generated both qualitative and quantitative data. Pilot testing was done to test the validity and reliability of the research instrument. Quantitative data was coded and entered into Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS Version 17.0) and analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative was analyzed on thematic mode and presented in prose. Regression analysis was done to test the level of significance between one variable and the other. The study established how project planning affects the performance of construction projects and the greatest roles of the top project team thus informing decision making for future road construction projects. The study was carried out to enable managers and directors identify the aspects of project planning that need to be put in place for the effective performance of such projects. Out of 51 questionnaires distributed 47 respondents completely filled in and returned the questionnaires, this represented a 92% response rate. The study found that there was a positive correlation between success of road construction project and project time planning, project scope planning, project cost planning and project risk planning. The four independent variables that were studied, explain only 83.4% of the success of road construction project. Further the study found that project cost planning contributed most to success of road construction project followed by project scope planning then project risk planning while project time planning contributed the little to success of road construction project. The study recommends that since time schedule is one of the most important plans in a project. The development of time schedules should be based on the previously developed WBS. There is need to develop a clear project scope that can facilitate for the project organization to realize the actual magnitude of the work and creates an understanding for the achievements that are required in the project. The cost estimation of a project should be based on the project scope, the WBS and be connected to the project plan. To manage risks and opportunities effectively, there is need to conduct risk analysis throughout the project as more and more information becomes clear to the management team.