Factors influencing completion of projects in government tertiary institutions: a case of Nairobi county in Kenya
Abstract
The construction industry is a key driver of Kenyan economy due to its ability to create job
opportunities and massive consumer of resources. The industry is characterized by varied parties
who have to work together to realize a workable project. Projects are based on three pillars, time,
cost and scope, and also quality and specification. The construction industry is known to be a
time-consuming and material depleting industry, due to its complexity and volatility occasioned
by varied needs, wants and preferences. There is thus a direct co-relation between time and cost
of project as projects have definite start and finish time, consume resources and meet certain
criterion in satisfaction to the beneficiaries. In a construction project, contracts are based on price
or cost and time period needed to finish a project. This research report intended to look at the
factors influencing completion of projects in Government funded Tertiary Institutions in Nairobi
County. Of particular interest are cost and time overruns, management and environment. The
research includes statement of problem, objectives and justification of the study. The objectives
of the study were to examine why Government funded projects experience cost overruns; to
explore reasons why projects exceed contract time; to examine managerial skills, (project and
contract) in relation to success of projects; to examine impact of environment on Government
funded Tertiary Institutions in relation to cost and time overruns. The researcher intended to
answer research questions such as what are the causes of time and cost overruns in government
funded Tertiary Institutions, effect of management to Government funded Tertiary Institutions in
relation to time and cost overruns as well as environmental impact Government funded Tertiary
Institutions in relation to time and cost overruns of projects. The researcher reviewed related
literature from various scholars on time and cost overruns on projects, management and
environmental impact on Tertiary Institutions funded by the Government. This covers variables
such as management, time overruns, cost overruns, procurement systems, project and contract
management and environment. The study uses quantitative research design. Data instrument tool
used was survey where questionnaires were administered. The population for research was 44
Government Tertiary Institutions in Kenya of which 14 Tertiary Institutions are found within
Nairobi County as per Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, 2013 statistics,
which forms the target population for this study. Within the 14 identified Institutions, there are
26 recently completed projects executed by 26 different contractors whose top management then
became the target respondents for this study. The methodology used was field survey conducted
from a purposive sample of the target population of the 25 respondent as per Krejcie & Morgan‟s
table for determining sample size from a given population. This was followed by data collection
using a questionnaire and analysis, data presentation, interpretation and presentation. The
findings were then summarized as cost and time overruns in projects are as a result of
instructions, delays and unrealistic project acquisition, delayed or disrupted communication or
late approvals. Projects whereby professional consultants are engaged are better managed.
Contractors who engage in-house professionals such as quantity surveyors and engineers manage
projects better. Environment does not have a major effect on projects delivery. Religion and
cultural beliefs do not impact on project delivery. Discussed were given in details, conclusions of
study drawn and recommendations made. Where proper documentation of projects has been
keenly followed, there are minimal disputes in project delivery of Government Tertiary
Institutions. The researcher also suggested areas of further studies as the researcher has not fully
exhausted the field
Citation
Masters of Arts in Project Planning and ManagementPublisher
University of Nairobi
Collections
- Faculty of Education (FEd) [5963]