ABSTRACT

Efficient performance of road infrastructure projects is essential for economic growth and development. Performance of road infrastructure projects in the Lake Basin Region constructed by local firms is poor in terms of completion of the projects within the budgeted cost, time schedule and attaining the desired quality. This study therefore, sought to establish the effects of project management practices on the performance of road infrastructure projects in the Lake Basin Region constructed by local firms. The study was guided by four specific objectives: determine the effects of project resource mobilization, project monitoring and evaluation, group dynamics management and project risks management on performance of road infrastructure projects. The study employed both the descriptive and explanatory research design based on a survey. The target population comprised of 41 road infrastructure projects in the Lake Basin Region constructed by local firms between 2011 and 2016. The study targeted 95 respondents who comprised of project managers, project contractors, monitoring and evaluation officials from the government and elected local leaders. A semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Construct validity was achieved by ensuring that the relationship between the operationalized variables was in accordance to the represented theoretical construct. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of internal consistency. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effect of the project management practices on the performance of road projects constructed by local firms. Prior to multiple regression analysis, diagnostic tests were carried out. The findings were presented using statistical parameter estimates. The results indicated that project: resource mobilization, project monitoring and evaluation, group dynamics management and project risks management had significant effects on the performance of road infrastructure projects. The study also found out that government policy did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The results confirmed that organization structure had a mediating effect on the relationship between project management practices and performance of road infrastructure projects. The study recommends that government should consider setting aside a fund from which local firms can access cheap loans. The government should also consider putting in place a monitoring and evaluation policy framework.