Causes of Poor Project Management On Gravel Roads Construction In Jimma Zone

Abstract

In Ethiopia unpaved (Gravel) road is the dominant mode and account for a large portion of the rural roads. Many road construction projects in Ethiopia particularly in Jimma Zone are never completed within budget and on time, and there are numerous quality issues as a result of poor project management. It makes sense to identify the most important factors influencing gravel road project management. In general, due to a lack of studies that address the impact of this practice on social and direct costs, the causes of current problems with meeting standard requirements are not well identified by all parties involved in the construction process. As a result, the main objective of this study is to identify the causes and effects of poor project management in gravel road construction, and suggest appropriate measures that can be taken to improve poor project management from the perspective of clients, consultants, and contractors in small and medium enterprises in the Jimma zone. Based on the literature review, construction professionals from various road project parties were asked to complete a questionnaire containing 20 causes and 10 effects, as well as fourteen remedial measures for poor management in gravel road construction. The method of data collection was through survey method and the tools are questionnaires, interview and document analysis and also the data obtained through questionnaire was analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistical methods using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 tools to generate information, which was then presented in the form of tables, charts, frequencies, and percentages. This study collected data from both primary and secondary sources and a census survey and purposeful sampling techniques were used to select respondents and collect data. According to the findings of the study, all gravel road projects in Jimma Zone and some selected districts experienced poor project management. The causes, effects, and corrective measures of poor project management were identified and ranked using the mean score and standard deviation values (MS & SD). The most top five important causes that contributed to poor project management in gravel road construction in some Jimma Zone districts were identified and ranked. Poor planning of project management, ineffective project management capability, a lack of experience and knowledge, and slow decision-making were some of the critical factors that contributed to poor project management on gravel road construction in Jimma Zone. The most top effects of poor project management were an increase in the planned cost (Budget overrun), poor quality completed project, time overrun (extension of time), rework and redesign occurrence and conflict among construction participants. Based on the findings, the researcher suggests that in order to improve project management, all construction participants prioritize and pay close attention to the major factors influencing gravel road project management in the construction sector.