Abstract:
The road construction projects in Jimma City, Ethiopia, suffer from many problems and complex
issues in performance such as; cost, time, scope and quality. The aim of this study was to assess
the factors influencing performance of road construction projects in Jimma City, Ethiopia. The
study adopted a descriptive research design and data were collected using structured interview and
questionnaires from 178 purposively selected respondents from construction companies,
consultancy firms, and government/client. Relevant literature was reviewed to establish actual
factors influencing performance of road construction projects in Jimma City. Data were coded and
entered into statistical packages for social scientists (SPSS) version 20. Data were analyzed
descriptively using statistical correlation and regression analysis, and Relative Importance Index
(RII) was used to rank the identified factors. The research study revealed the most significant and
influential factors on the performance of road construction projects in Jimma city and these
included; critical concerns such as external factors, material price inflation, and contractor
challenges are identified. The study incorporates the results of a questionnaire, revealing additional
insights from stakeholders involved in these projects. Interviews underscored weather-related
delays, material price increases, and modifications to the client's design. Insights from interviews
further support the ranking of factors, highlighting contractor issues and material price inflation as
the most critical. External factors, including economic instability, significantly impact project
outcomes. The study concluded that creative approaches to address challenges, including
escalating material expenses, contractor obstacles, and external factors, can enhance project
performance and contribute to regional progress.
