THE PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT AT ADDIS ABABA CITY ROAD AUTHORITY: THE CASE OF BETELAUGUSTA ROAD PROJECT

Abstract

A project is a temporary effort undertaken to create a unique product, service or result and a unique venture with a beginning and an end, conducted by people to meet established goals within parameters of cost, schedule and scope. Literature shows that applying project management practices offers organizations the means to be efficient, effective, and competitive in a shifting complex, and unpredictable environment. Projects are needed to be completed within the time frame, budgeted cost and required quality. However, unfortunately many projects take longer time to complete, cost more than necessary and some projects are cancelled because of inefficient planning, execution, controlling and related challenges directly and/or indirectly related with it. The general objective of this study is to assess practices and the challenges encountered through project management on AACRA’s road construction project. This study has made use of descriptive research design. Mixed research approach has been adopted to carry out the study. Primary data needed for the study was collected from 30 respondents which are selected using census. The collected data was analyzed with the help of SPSS version 20.0. Then the data presented quantitatively using descriptive statistics with the help of table, frequency and percentage. Semi-structured interview was also conducted with the 5 project managers, and analyzed qualitatively by integrating secondary data obtained from AACRA chart, reports, magazines AACRA booklet. The findings of the research is analyzing the practices of project management in road construction projects undertaken by AACRA from the phase starting projects up to closed out which is indicated by Average mean for the project management practice in initiation, planning, executing, monitoring and control and closing phase is about 2.796, 3.0765, 3.0241, 3.0239 and 3.0667 respectively, it is recommended that the project manager should understand project goals and objectives, check the statements that related to the practices of project management in each phases of the project. Such as initiation, planning executing, monitoring and control and closing. In addition to this the project manager and the project team should manage the ten knowledge area to meet the project successfully.