ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: THE CASEOF ETHIOPIA CATHOLIC CHURCH-SOCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION OFFICE ARCHDIOCESE OF ADDIS ABABA (ECC-SDCO, AA) PROJECTS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence effective implementation of projects with a key focus on ECC-SDCO. A causal research design was adopted, and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from a total of 35 projects that were implemented from 2009-2017 by ECC-SDCO. The independent variables considered in the study include project planning, organizational structure, donor funding, stakeholder engagement, project risk, team management, communication, project work plan, cost estimation, and scope management. These variables were regressed against the dependent variable (project implementation effectiveness and efficiency using linear regression analysis. The result showed that project planning, donor funding, project team management, and project work plan were founded to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean Schedule Performance Index of ECC-SDCO's projects were found to be 0.99 indicating that projects were 99% on schedule. The mean score for the Cost Performance Index was found to be 1.12 indicating that the projects has excellent performance with the parameter of efficiency The study found that donor funding was critical in ensuring effectiveness in implementing projects. The study noted that the most influential factor in creating donor confidence in funding was the financial accountability, as good financial propriety demonstrated commitment to standards and work ethics.