DETERMINANTS OF PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION BY SELECTED NGO’S AT PUGNIDO I REFUGE CAMP

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence effective implementation of relief projects at Pugnido I South Sudanese refugee camp Gambelia, Ethiopia. The study adopted a descriptive research design and collected both quantitative and qualitative data from a total of 27 projects implemented at the camp by the year 2017/18. The population for the study comprises of employees participated in the implementation of these relief projects at Pugnido I refugee camp. Non-probability sampling (Purposive sampling) technique was be used. The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaires and key informant interview questions developed by the researcher, specifically for this study. A set of descriptive statistics of frequency, mean and percentage tables were used to present the results of the study. Project completion within budget was conceptualized as completion of projects within a positive or zero cost variance. It was measured by employing a cost variance formula and cost performance index. Accordingly, nearly 14, projects 51.9% completed exactly on budget and 9 projects that accounts 33.03% completed with positive cost variance, only 4 projects, 14.81% were found negative cost variance, indicating that these projects were completed with over spending. Among the variables investigated to establish factors that influence effective implementation of relief projects included, clarity/defined goals and general direction, stockholder’s engagement, monitoring and feedback, communication channels and top management support. Of which top management support was found to be the top ranking or very significantly influencing factor for effective implementation of relief projects at pugnido refugee camp. Clarity of defined goals and general directions also were found to be the second ranking significant influencing determinants. While selection and application of appropriate communication channels were found to be the third ranking significant determinant in the implementation of relief projects at Pugnido I refugee camp. putting monitoring and feedback mechanisms in place was found to be the fourth ranking significantly influencing factor for completing relief projects within the allocated budget and time frame. Stakeholder’s engagement was found to be the fifth ranking or moderately significant influencing factor in implementation of these project. To enhance the successful completion of projects within budget, the implementing agencies needs to critically assess the causes of budget over/under-run in their relief project implementation process.