THE EFFECTS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN TANZANIA: A CASE OF DAR ES SALAAM BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) ROAD EXPANSION

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates how project management practices influence the performance of road construction projects in Tanzania, with a particular focus on the Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) road expansion. Road infrastructure development plays a critical role in Tanzania's economic growth; however, many projects face challenges such as delays, cost overruns, and compromised quality. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires from 109 participants and qualitative insights obtained via semi-structured interviews with key informants, including project managers, engineers, and officials from TANROADS, DART, and construction firms. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques ensured representation across relevant stakeholder groups. The findings revealed that comprehensive project planning, including the use of tools such as Gantt charts and Critical Path Method (CPM), significantly enhances project coordination, reduces uncertainties, and minimizes delays. Risk management practices, particularly proactive risk identification and mitigation, were found to prevent cost overruns and schedule slippages, contributing positively to project outcomes. Effective stakeholder engagement, encompassing consultation, feedback integration, and community involvement, improved project acceptance, quality, and sustainability. Moreover, strategic resource allocation, including the timely provision of financial, human, and material resources, was critical for maintaining project continuity and achieving project goals. Based on these findings, the study recommends that road construction projects in Tanzania should institutionalize comprehensive project planning tools, strengthen proactive risk management frameworks, enhance structured stakeholder engagement mechanisms, and ensure timely and adequate allocation of resources to improve overall project performance. These recommendations provide practical guidance for policymakers, project managers, and implementing agencies seeking to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of large-scale road infrastructure projects in Tanzania.