Abstract:
Lack of effective planning process is the main reason for project failure in developing countries.
Like that of other developing countries, the planning practices and process of Ethiopian projects
is very poor and even projects usually executed without preparing a proper project plan. This
research deals with the study of project planning and its practices in Industrial parks of Ethiopia
a case of Jimma industrial park project. The objectives of the research were to assess the extent
to which project management knowledge areas are practiced during the planning process of
projects and identify the level of use of project management tools and techniques during
planning stage of projects in the organization under study. The study was conducted based on
data gathered from FDRE (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) Industrial Park
Development Corporation office. Both census and purposive sampling techniques were used in
selecting of the sample. A mixed research approach was employed to answer the research
questions that emerge through the review of existing literature. The data obtain through
questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 104 questionnaires were
distributed and 101 are returned and used by the researcher. SPSS version 20 was applied for
processing and analysis purpose. The result of the analysis shows that the general project
planning practice, project management knowledge area and project planning tools and
techniques were poorly performed in the study organization. The study recommended the study
organization more effort should be made at the planning stage of the project, more advanced
project planning tools and techniques should be applied while preparing project planning and
team members should take appropriate training.
