Factors infuencing risk management in telecommunication projects in Kenya: a case of provision of internet services to business enterprises in Kisumu County

Abstract

Telecommunication projects face many challenges with risk management during project implementation as a result of complexity in the projects. There is a concern in the telecommunication industry that if risk management practices are not adhered then the accidents will continue to rise on implementation of projects. Risk management researchers have proposed a number of ways of improving the management of risks in the telecommunication industry including occupation health safety procedures, individual and organizational risk attitudes. The aim of this research is to provide understanding knowledge of practices which can be used by contractors, project managers, risk officers, project implementers and end users of telecommunication services on how to deal with risk management during project execution. The research objectives examine the influence of organizational structure, training needs, working environment, employees’ attitude and cost of implementation on risk management in telecommunication projects. The research was conducted through survey, interviews and observation where data was collected using questionnaire and descriptive research from respondents. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques of mean, standard deviation, Karl Pearson’s Coefficient of Correlation and Regression Analysis. Also used was computer aided software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The conclusion of research study findings showed that organization structure, training needs, and working environment significantly influence risk management in telecommunication projects while cost of implementation had weak relationship to risk management. Finally the study made some recommendations based on the research findings that; senior management should involve employees when establishing organization structure in addition training needs assessment should be performed regularly by human resource department in collaboration with project managers, more so organizations should create an enabling working environment for project implementers, further on management should motivate employees to improve on their attitude and lastly organizations should include the cost of establishing risk management in their budget.