Effect of Project Management on Road Project Performance in Jimma Town Municipality

Abstract

The main object of this study is designed to assess effect of project management on road project performance in Jimma Town municipality. A descriptive survey research design by followed correlational research design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis approach was employed due to the nature of the data. The cross-sectional type survey was used since it involves collecting data at one point in time regarding people opinions and beliefs. The sampling of the respondents was carried out through simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques depending on the nature and on size of respondents. Hence, from total one hundred eight (108) respondents, eight five (85) respondents were selected by using simple random sampling technique followed lottery method. Next, three (3) key informants (road authority team leaders) were selected purposively. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Hence, tables, frequency counts, percentages, mean scores and standard deviations, correlation and regression were used to analyze the quantitative data whereas the qualitative data were analyzed through narrations. The possible to major findings that poor project sponsorship management was practiced at study area, project effectiveness and efficiency management is not based on quality project performance and the community were not satisfied to the performance of projects in Jimma municipality, project performance is a strong relationship with project management (p=.873**), project management practice in the study area has an effect up to 93.1% as indicated by the adjusted R Square. Thus 93.1 %, of the variances in project performance can be explained by combined effect of the predictor/independent variables. Based on the study findings, it is concluded that the project management practice in Jimma municipality is not well practiced. It is recommended to establish Jimma municipality of road authority proper and continuous training programs for team leaders and for employees to improve their capacity and it is preferred to develop and improve the managerial skills of person in order to improve performance of road projects. Moreover, Jimma municipality roads project authority is recommended focus on how to improving communication & coordinating of project information management systems to know the project report status and all managerial levels should be participated with sensitive and important decision-making, through project management in order to solve problems of project performance.