ROLE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN THE PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC SECTOR PROJECTS: A CASE OF DART PROJECT AT TEMEKE MUNICIPAL

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study looks into how project management shapes the success of public sector projects, particularly within the Temeke Municipal area. Public sector initiatives often struggle with a range of obstacles such as tight budgets, political pressures, and operational bottlenecks, any of which can obstruct their progress. The general objective of the study was to assess the role of project management in the performance of public sector projects a case study DART project at Temeke Municipal Council. Specific objectives were; to investigate key project management components that enhances the performance of DART; to assess the effects of project management on the success of DART and; to examine the challenges in implementing effective project management of DART public sector project at Temeke Municipal Council. The study was conducted by using a descriptive method. The target population made up of project managers, team members, government officials as well as stakeholders who are involved in public sector projects (DART), within Temeke Municipal Council, the sample size was 134. The study employed stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data with the support of interview. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, means, and percentages, were employed to analyze quantitative data gathered through surveys, while regression analysis employs inferential statistics to examine the associations between variables. The research findings revealed that the way projects are planned, monitored and evaluated has a significant and positive effect on how well DART Temeke project succeeds. The research concluded that the sharing of information, quick feedback, collaboration, mixing talents, and sharing knowledge significantly enhance the performance of DART Temeke project. The research suggests that there's a need for an increased number of individuals skilled in technical areas, particularly in information systems for the purposes of monitoring and assessment. The public projects are advised to ensure comprehensive planning for the monitoring and evaluation of projects, including the allocation of resources and the involvement of stakeholders in both the creation, execution of the monitoring and evaluation framework.