Project management practices and completion of NG- constituency development fund projects in south Imenti constituency Meru county, Kenya

Abstract

The successful completion of a project can be evaluated based on its timeliness, cost- effectiveness, and overall efficiency. To achieve effectiveness, a project must adhere to the predefined budget and deadlines while delivering results that meet the quality and requirements set by the procuring entity. The South Imenti Constituency has implemented multiple NG-CDF initiatives in an effort to provide its residents with high-quality services. However, the actual development progress indicated in the projected constituency development plan has not materialized as anticipated, mostly because of heightened project management issues that have resulted in a discernible gap. This study's primary goal was to evaluate how project management techniques affect the completion of NG-CDF projects in the South Imenti constituency. The specific goals of the research were to determine the impact of monitoring and evaluation on the completion of NG-CDF projects in South Imenti constituency, as well as to investigate the role that stakeholder engagement plays in project completion. Additionally, the research looked at the degree to which project feasibility affects project completion in South Imenti constituency and the impact that project management skills training has on project completion. The study used resource-based theory, stakeholders' theory, and institutional theory as its theoretical framework to carry out the research. For the research technique, a descriptive research design was used. The study used a descriptive study and targeted all project management committee members among the 105 projects in the implementation phase which is 525 respondents. A sample size of 180 respondents from the target population were used to provide primary data in form of likert scale questionnaires. To collect primary data, semi- structured questionnaires would be used as the data collection approach. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the analysis of the questionnaire data in order to derive significant findings. Tables and figures were used to display the result. From the results of the Pearson Chi-Square for project completion and management skills, the study revealed a positive and significant association between independent factors (Stakeholder participation, Project feasibility, Management skills training, and Monitoring & evaluation) and the completion of projects funded by NG-Constituency Development Fund in South Imenti Constituency, Meru County, the study also revealed that 63.4% variation of NG-CDF projects completion in Imenti South Constituency is a s result of variation of project management practices. The study recommends that the NGCDF board ensure the recruitment and retention of qualified and competent project managers and staff with adequate experience in project management. The study further recommends a proper framework forork for community participation, from project identification through project planning and implementation to M&E of the projects.