Project Scope Management and Performance of Projects: A Case of Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Projects in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Gichuhi, John Gitahi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
kenyatta university
Abstract
Kenya is a predominantly arid country with limited water sources; hence there is a greater
case than ever for the importance of construction of water projects in Kenya. However,
there has been a challenge in successful completion of water infrastructure projects in
Kenya, particularly in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties. Mombasa and Kilifi counties were
rated among the worst performers in providing its residents with potable water and
adequate sanitation services. Deviation of project scope and changing the scope mid-way
has led to costly delays and delays in project delivery. The specific objectives included
scope planning, stakeholder engagement, scope control and work breakdown structure.
The study was anchored on management and stakeholder theories and employed the
descriptive research design. The study targeted 14 water projects in the 2012 -19 timeline
for completion or on-going. The study respondents were senior project managers who
were purposively selected to fill the semi-structured questionnaire. A pilot study was
done using 9 respondents in water projects in Kwale and Taita-Taveta Counties to test for
validity and reliability. Validity was confirmed by supervisor and research experts, while
reliability testing was done using Cronbach Alpha coefficient and found the overall mean
at 0.787 which was above the threshold set at 0.7. The response rate was 71.7%. Results
showed positive associations for stakeholder engagement (r=.584; positive and moderate
effects were for scope planning (r=.436) and weak associations were for work breakdown
structure (r=.202). Regression coefficient results showed scope planning (β=.073,
p<0.05), stakeholder engagement (β=.190, p<0.05), scope control (β=.499, p<0.05) and
work breakdown structure (β=.553, p<0.05) in influencing water projects. 55.8% changes
was because of scope management Scope planning communicated the mission and vision,
management and reporting structure of the project, which improved its outcome. Work
breakdown structure included tasks and components of the project divided into sections
for easily management that influenced project outcome. Stakeholder engagement was
done through proper communication and involvement in designing, financing and
executing project plans for their success. Thus, the study concluded that performance in
the water and sanitation projects was influenced by project scope management with
practices of scope planning, scope control; work breakdown structure and stakeholder
engagement. The study recommends adoption of project scope management practices for
improvement in performance of the projects. There is need to formulate policies on
elements like engaging all stakeholders, planning and control projects for their success.
Future research can be done on other water projects in different areas and residual effect
that was outside the scope of this study.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Business,
Economics and Tourism in Partial Fulfilment for the Award
Fulfilment for the Award of Degree of Business
Administration (Project Management) of Kenyatta
University
Keywords
Project Scope Management, Performance of Projects, Water and Sanitation, Mombasa and Kilifi Counties, Kenya