Project Control and Project Performance of Irrigation Projects in Embu County, Kenya
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Date
2024-10
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Project performance guarantee optimal utilization of resources, meeting project timelines, and achieving the desired outcomes, especially in irrigation sectors as global demand for food production increases to support a burgeoning population, optimizing water usage and irrigation systems becomes imperative. In various continents like Asia, and America, countries have focused more on maximizing the available resources to unlock the full potential of water resources which has realized over 90% project success rate unlike in Embu County, Kenya. This study aimed to determine the effect of project control on project performance within the context of irrigation projects in Embu County, Kenya. To be specific, the research focused to examine the extent to which comprehensive project planning, decision-making processes, risk management, and project monitoring influences the performance of irrigation projects in Embu County, Kenya and existing theories and models such as waterfall model, prospect theory, and theory of constraints in relation predictors variable at hand. The researcher target population include 4 irrigations project namely, Nthawa, Masinga, Kanyuambora irrigation project, and Rupingazi-Weru irrigation water project in Embu County, where the unit of observation comprises of 153 respondents including project management officials, ministry of water and irrigation officials, and community representatives. Simple random sampling technique was used to get the respondents to participate in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was utilized in this investigation to help in collection data. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Project team involved in irrigation projects to ensure that comprehensive planning activities are undertaken, including thorough needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, and resource allocation. Regular reviews and updates of project plans to adapt to changing circumstances and mitigate potential risks. Project team should establish a regular communication and collaboration among team members to be able to identify potential challenges and threats within the projects. Team needs to allocate sufficient time and resources for thorough research and analysis before finalizing the project plan. Regular and timely reporting of project progress and milestones to relevant stakeholders is essential to ensure transparency and accountability. Adopt project management software such as Asana, Trello, and Microsoft Project tools for tracking tasks, milestones, and deadlines. Teams to invest in comprehensive risk assessments at various stages of project implementation to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. Regular reviews and updates of risk registers are essential to ensure that emerging risks are promptly addressed and managed. Stakeholders should be actively involved in risk assessment workshops, brainstorming sessions, and risk analysis activities to gather input and perspectives on potential risks and mitigation strategies. Decision-making processes should be transparent, participatory, and informed by reliable data and information. The study recommended that project teams should establish clear decision-making frameworks and protocols to streamline decision-making processes and reduce ambiguity.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Business, Economics and Tourism in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Project Management) of Kenyatta University, October 2024.
Supervisor
Kinoti Kaburu