The Role of Monitoring and Evaluation on Project Time Performance: The Case of Development Bank of Ethiopia Wolaita Sodo District Projects

Abstract

Purpose of this study is to assess the role of monitoring and evaluation on project time performance at Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) taking a case of projects financed in Wolaita Sodo district. Explanatory research design and mix of survey and ex-post facto research strategy was used. Census was applied for total 53 respondents. The research objective was to determine the influence of monitoring and evaluation factors: planning process, technical expertise and management participation on project time performance. The district’s seven projects documents were analyzed in addition to primary data collection. Documentary analysis showed that five projects among the seven were behind schedule on their time performance and the rest two were ahead of schedule. Interviews and documentary analysis showed that that poor time performed projects were implemented before the utilization of new monitoring and evaluation guideline at the district. From data analysis it was found that the monitoring and evaluation factors, planning process, M&E technical expertise and management participation have strong correlation with project time performance. It was also found that management participation having negative correlation with project time performance on the project owner side. The study recommends that organizations/projects plan shall be in alignment with the strategy, technical expertise involvement to be entirely focused on the whole project life cycle and management participation shall have a form of supportive and facilitative rather than interference. Further research was also recommended.