ASSESSMENT ON IDENTIFYING PERFORMANCE FACTORS OF ROAD PROJECTS: THE CASE OF SELECTED DEFENSE CONSTRUCTION ENTERPRISE ROAD PROJECTS

Abstract

Infrastructure projects, such as road constructions, are one of the most important projects in Ethiopia. Growth in this sector is critical for growth in national income as it is among the largest sectors that generates employment within the country as well as a key driver for economic development of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Roads Authority has administered many projects at the federal level involving local contractors on the projects. However, projects executed by contractors are facing critical problems with respect to different factors. There are several factors that are contributing to the performance problems of local contractors. Accordingly, this research attempts to identify the major causes or factors affecting the performance of DCE road projects, which can serve as the way forward for future work in coping with this performance problem. A thorough literature review and desk study was done, through which a number of performance factors were identified in different construction industry scenarios. To obtain expert opinions from the sector, in total thirty four (34) factors with 07 main groups were identified and made part of the survey questionnaire and the survey was conducted with DCE head office and selected project staffs. In addition, semi structured interview is prepared and conducted with selected staffs. Results show that educated personnel and experience and leaders ability to integrate and coordinate activities are the main quality and leadership related factors affecting the performance of road projects in DCE respectively. It is recommended that the client (ERA) gives due attention to grant contractors timely possession of site (ROW) and local contractors to deploy experienced professionals in the area of project management.