Project Planning and Performance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Projects in Selected State Corporations in Kenya
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Date
2017
Authors
Mburu, Susan Wanjiru
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
In Kenya state corporations are put into spotlight with regard to performance using performance contract normally signed by their heads every financial year. The overall performance of ICT projects to improve state corporations performance is a key factor to ascertain the success of service delivery. The number of state corporations initiated by government in various Ministries in Kenya and hence ICT projects forms a worthy number to the curiosity of researchers. For instance, from the report of the presidential task force on parastatal reforms there are two hundred and sixty two (262) state corporations in Kenya. A lot of government funds are committed to ICT implementation in these state corporations and in order to get full benefits there is need to carefully plan prior to implementation otherwise it only results to wastage of these funds since most ICT equipments end up underutilized or unutilized. The problem under study is high budgets of ICT projects and implementation of information systems running over budgets, underutilization of ICT devices and dissatisfaction with the quality of performance of ICT projects in Kenyan government state corporations. The research focused on the effects of planning on ICT projects in state corporations in Kenya. The objectives of this study were to determine the role of work- breakdown structure, to establish effect of scheduling, to assess the effect of estimation, to assess the effect of risk management and to assess the influence of ICT government policy on project planning and project performance in the state corporations in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design because it presents an opportunity to use both quantitative and qualitative data collected on current status of ICT projects in the state corporations. Out of a population of 262 state corporations, a sample size of 45 state corporations in the category of State Agencies - Research Institutions, Public Universities, Tertiary Education and Training Institutions were purposively sampled. From each corporation one project manager and two members of staff were sampled using random sampling method. The total sample size was 135 persons, which included 45 project managers and 90 members of staff. The tool used to collect data was self-administered research questionnaire. Drop and pick approach was used to collect the questionnaires. Validity of the data was assessed by experts in the field of project management while reliability was tested based on internal consistency which was measured by Cronbach’s alpha. The data collected was entered and analyzed using SPSS package. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to help in drawing conclusions. Data was then summarized and displayed using graphs and pie charts. The findings were that ICT sector should adopt modern planning techniques so as to facilitate service provision, improve process and communication, provide high-quality project performance, and ensure the resulting system meets the needs of clients effectively and efficiently. The study therefore concluded that scheduling, work breakdown structure, estimation and risk management were statistically significant on the level of project performance. The study recommends that management in ICT sector should improve employees‟ capacity to enhance performance of ICT projects. Also improved estimation effectiveness is important as it helps organizations to be more in charge of the project, be more productive and make better investment decisions. The study further recommends that management of risk should be sought early enough in order to enhance project performance since there was a major improvement due to project risks management
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Business in Partial Fulfilment for the Award of Degree in Master of Business Administration (Project Management Option) of Kenyatta University. May, 2017