THE ROLE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN THE SUCCESS OF PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY ENTREPRENEURS IN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING SME

Abstract

Studies have shown that project management skills are crucial for successful implementation of complex projects. However the impact of such skills in the SME sector in general and in the electrical contracting subsector especially in this part of the world is not well known. This study sought to identify the role of project management skills in the success of small electrical contracting projects. The study assessed the most important project management skills necessary for successful implementation, the extent of its use, the factors limiting their use and the relationship between their use and project success. The study was a census of the SME electrical contractors in Thika. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and data presented in tables, charts and narratives. Secondary analysis was conducted using Pearson’s correlation. The research found out that the project management was a vital component in the success of any project. According to most respondents, project management was all about organizing the resources like time, labour and money in order to enable the work to run smoothly. This shows that they understand project management more than it was expected. The research also identified the factors limiting the use of project management skills and the relationship between the project management skills and success of the project. These included unqualified workforce, inadequate funds, and lack of honesty from the employees and clients, unavailable materials, limited time among others. The study made several recommendations which included among other things training of SME electrical contractors, educating the public, improvement in licensing of contractors, and encouraging entrepreneurs to invest in well stocked hardware stores in Thika.