Influence Of Information And Communication Technology Application On Management Of Road Projects In Kenya

Abstract

The number of public road construction projects has been increasing in Kenya from one period to another. However, completion of projects within the cost budget allocated is always a challenge. Due to inadequacy of financial resources that exist in Kenya, cost overrun posts a major challenge in the completion of construction projects in Kenya. The purpose of undertaking this research study was to investigate on the influence of information and communication technology application on management of road projects in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to assess how electronic communication, electronic records management, supply chain integration and electronic procurement management application on the management of road projects in Kenya. A descriptive explanatory research design was adopted. The population of study included all staff in the headquarters of KeNHA. There are114 staff working in the headquarters of KeNHA. The sample size was determined by the Slovin's Formula. Stratified random sampling was adopted in the selection of 88 staff who represented the sample size. Both primary and secondary data were used. Interview guides were used to obtain information from the key informants. Primary data in this study was obtained by administering questionnaires; the questionnaire comprised of unstructured and structured questions. Secondary data was obtained from KENHA reports for the last five years. A pilot test was carried out as a means of determining the validity and reliability of the research instrument. A document analysis guide was used to collect information such as estimated cost (Ksh), completion cost (Ksh), estimated time (months) and completion time (months). Questionnaires were used as the primary tools for collection of data. Quantitative data was obtained and analysis was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics .This was achieved by using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 20). Descriptive statistics refers to percentages, frequency distribution, standard deviation and means. The data obtained was presented by use of graphs tables. Furthermore; correlation analysis was adopted in establishing the relationship which existed between the dependent variables and the independent variable. The study found that electronic communication has a significant influence on the management of road projects in KeNHA (β1=0.676, p-value=0.000). Also, the study established that electronic records management has an insignificant influence on the management of road projects in KENHA (β2=0.040, p-value=0.830). Further, the study established that supply chain integration has a significant influence on the management of road projects in KeNHA (β3=0.212, p-value=0.000). In addition, the study revealed that electronic procurement has a significant influence on the management of road projects in in KeNHA (β4=0.431, p-value 0.000). The study concluded that electronic communication has the most significant influence on the management of road projects, followed by electronic procurement, supply chain integration and electronic records management. The study recommends that KeNHA should develop strategies to improve on stability of network which can be done by establishment .of other communication tools. The study also recommends that KeNHA should develop strategies on public procurement record keeping so as improve on electronic records management.