Factors influencing implementation of telecommunication network equipment projects in kenya: a case of safaricom limited

Abstract

As telecom operators around the world continue to upgrade their network technologies to improve performance and increase capacity, many of them are confronted with the challenge of how to best implement these projects. Many projects around the world keep failing, resulting in loss of millions of dollars for organizations. This persisting challenge has led to this study being undertaken so as to attempt to identify the influencing factors that need to be tackled head on during implementation of telecommunication network equipment projects. The objectives of the study were to establish how project scope management influences implementation of telecommunication network equipment projects, to determine how project time management influences implementation of telecommunication network equipment projects, to examine how project cost management influences implementation of telecommunication network equipment projects, to establish how project procurement management influences implementation of telecommunication network equipment projects and to determine how project communication management influences implementation of telecommunication network equipment projects. The study used a descriptive survey design which enabled the researcher to get both internal and external insights into the study. Questionnaires were used as instruments of data collection. The population of the study consisted Safaricom Limited employees working in the project management, network roll out, procurement, transmission and legal departments implementing telecommunication projects in Nairobi. From a target population of 45 respondents, a total of 40 respondents were purposely sampled. A response rate of 92.5% was obtained. The Data was analyzed through SPSS version 20 and AMOS version 21 and presented in the form of frequency tables. The findings of the study indicated that project scope management, time management, scope management, procurement management and communications management do influence the implementation of telecommunication network equipment projects in the organization. It also emerged that top management support and having skilled labor is necessary when implementation of such projects. The study concluded that project integration, risk management, human resource management and quality management can as well influence the implementation of telecommunication network equipment projects according to the goals and objectives of the specific project. The study recommends that the management should invest in project integration management so as to ensure that the various elements of the project are properly coordinated. This study also recommends the need for the organization to put active efforts to develop project management skills and techniques of its employees within the organization. The study also recommends a fresh set of eyes in the communication process to help the organization identify risks and potential mistakes.