Influence of Project Technology on the Performance of Road Construction Projects at Kenya Urban Road Authority Western Region
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Keywords
Project, roads, technology, construction, management
Abstract
The successful completion of road construction projects is important because it contributes to the continued economic growth and development of the nation. Stakeholders work hard to ensure that these projects are finished on time, within budget, and to a high standard. However, owing to a variety of reasons that have a detrimental impact on the execution of the bulk of road building projects in Kenya, including these road projects, have not been completed within the deadlines that were previously planned for them. The construction sector, in particular, has experienced a significant transformation due to the infusion of advanced technological innovations, leading to improved efficiency, safety, and overall project performance. In the context of Kenya, the Kenya Urban Road Authority's (KURA) Western Region has witnessed a notable shift in the way road construction projects are executed, owing to the influence of technology. The adoption of cutting-edge tools and techniques has not only accelerated the pace of development but has also had a profound impact on the quality of infrastructure and the management of resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate influence of technology on the performance of road construction projects at Kenya Urban Road Authority Western Region. Resource-based theory (RBT) and Theory of Constraints served as the foundation for this study. The target population was 45 Kenya Urban and Rural Roads Authority (KURA) Western Region staff. Census sampling was used to select all Maintenance, Supply Chain Management, Human resource management, Finance, ICT and Survey staff from KURA. The data was collected using semi structured questionnaires. Reliability and validity of questionnaires was tested by conducting a pilot study. Collected data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that there was positive Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.433, P = 0.007) between project technology and the success of road construction projects. Also, the findings of this study reveal a positive and statistically significant relationship between the use of project technology and the performance of road construction projects within the Western Region of the Kenya Urban Road Authority (β = .154, p < 0.05). It is evident that the integration of advanced technological tools is vital in enhancing the overall performance of road construction projects in this region. It is recommended that the Kenya Urban Road Authority Western Region continue to invest in and explore emerging technologies and ensure that the workforce is well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure sustainable and high-quality urban road development for the future.
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Julius K. Cheserek , Department of Accounting and Finance, Mount Kenya University, P.o Box 342-01000 Thika
Department of Accounting and Finance, Mount Kenya University, Kenya
Sangoro Oscar, Department of Accounting and Finance, Mount Kenya University, P.o Box 342-01000 Thika
Department of Accounting and Finance, Mount Kenya University, Kenya