Evaluating the impact of management practices on success of road construction projects in Uganda: a case study of Kabale district local government

Abstract

This study addresses the critical issue of road construction project success within Kabale District Local Government, Uganda, aiming to identify practices, evaluate their impact on project success, and propose a model for improvement. Despite the crucial role that road infrastructure plays in economic development, the region has been plagued by delays, budget overruns, and subpar quality all attributed to inadequate road construction management practices. However, limited empirical studies have examined the combined effect of these management practices within the Ugandan local government context, leaving a significant research gap that this study sought to fill. A descriptive research design was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches through triangulation. Data were collected from 177 respondents and analysed using Relative Importance Index and regression analysis. The study revealed that project planning (RII = 0.80), stakeholder engagement (RII = 0.70), and risk management (RII = 0.60) are of moderate importance, while cost management (RII = 0.50) and project monitoring and evaluation (RII = 0.60) are perceived as less critical. Notably, quality management received the highest importance ranking (RII = 0.90). Regression analysis confirms the substantial influence of these management practices on project success. The model summary shows a strong positive relationship (R = 0.86) between road construction management practices and project success. Approximately 66% of the variance in project success can be explained by these practices. Conclusively, this study underscores the significance of project planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, cost management, quality management, and project monitoring and evaluation for the success of road construction projects in Kabale District Local Government. The findings provide evidence-based insights that can guide policymakers in formulating targeted interventions, resource allocation strategies, and regulatory frameworks to improve road construction outcomes across Uganda. Therefore, implementing a comprehensive approach based on the identified recommendations is imperative for enhancing road construction project success in Kabale District Local Government, Uganda.