Effect of project planning practices on project performance in Rwanda: A case of Kigali Infrastructure Project implemented by NPD Ltd.

Januario Bizimana; Wilson Bashaija

doi:10.51867/scimundi.6.2.1

Authors

Januario Bizimana University of Kigali, Rwanda https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5323-4797
Bashaija Wilson University of Kigali, Rwanda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/scimundi.6.2.1

Keywords:

Kigali Infrastructure Project, Project Performance, Project Planning Practice, Project Planning, Schedule Planning, Scope Planning

Abstract

Project planning plays a critical role in improving project performance by ensuring the effective management of scope, schedule, and resources throughout the project lifecycle. However, delays, cost overruns, and implementation challenges continue to affect infrastructure projects in Rwanda, necessitating an assessment of project planning practices. This study examined the effect of project planning on the performance of the Kigali Infrastructure Project implemented by NPD Ltd. This study used descriptive and correlational research design with quantitative and qualitative approach. The study population was 294 including managerial staff, field officers and stakeholders of NPD Ltd. The Slovin’s formula was used to determine the appropriate sample size. This was due to the fact that it provided a straightforward approach for calculating the specific number of participants required for the study. This calculation compared to the formula gives a representative sample of 170 for the study. This study used simple random sampling. In this sampling method, every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected. The research relied on documentation, interviews, and questionnaires to collect data. The content validity of the questionnaires was evaluated through the Content Validity Index. The study instrument's dependability was evaluated by calculating Cronbach's alpha. The researcher used SPSS version 29 to calculate percentages, means, correlations, and regression. The model summary indicates the R value of .886 indicates a very strong correlation between the combined predictors and project performance. The findings revealed that scope planning, schedule planning, and resource planning had positive and statistically significant effects on project performance. The regression model explained 78.6% of the variation in project performance (R² = 0.786), with schedule planning exerting the greatest influence. The study concludes that effective project planning significantly enhances project performance through improved coordination, timely implementation, and efficient utilization of project resources. The study recommends that NPD Ltd prioritize the implementation of automated project management software to strengthen real-time scope and schedule monitoring, invest in continuous training on advanced scheduling techniques, conduct stakeholder validation during scope planning, and establish a resource forecasting unit to improve project planning and overall project performance.

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