Strategic Planning Systems and Sustainable Urban Road Infrastructure Development Among Town Councils in Uganda

Abstract

The development of sustainable urban road infrastructure has become a crucial research objective in the field of strategic management. While it has been suggested that Strategic Planning Systems (SPS) may impact the development of sustainable urban road infrastructure, the evidence remains inconclusive. Moreover, the empirical support for the role of the institutional environment and Transition Management (TM) in the relationship between Strategic Planning Systems (SPS) and sustainable urban road development is still unclear. This study aimed at clarifying this relationship among town councils in Uganda by conceptualizing the interplay between Strategic Planning Systems (SPS), institutional environment, Transition Management (TM), and sustainable road infrastructure development. The primary objective of the study was to assess the effect of strategic planning systems on sustainable road infrastructure development. Accordingly, four specific objectives and corresponding hypotheses were formulated and tested. The research was based on the socio-technical systems theory, as well as the institutional theory and Transition Management (TM) theory. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted, where a questionnaire was administered to a sample of 187 town councils to collect data. Simple linear and multivariate regression were used to test the hypotheses, while hierarchical and path analysis were employed to examine the moderating and mediating effects. The study findings indicate that the adoption of Strategic Planning Systems (SPS) has a substantial impact on the development of sustainable urban road infrastructure. Additionally, the institutional environment plays a significant role in moderating this relationship, while Transition Management (TM) acts as a mediator. These results corroborate the theories of sociotechnical systems, institutional, and Transition Management (TM). By highlighting the moderating and mediating effects of the institutional environment and Transition Management (TM), this study adds to the knowledge of strategic management and sustainable development. Specifically, it sheds light on the relationship between Strategic Planning Systems (SPS) and sustainable urban infrastructure development in Uganda. Managers will use the findings of this study to identify important sustainability indicators in road development as they establish planning systems, identify institutional factors and manage the transition process. Based on the limitations of the study, areas of further study have been suggested. Further study can be extended to municipal and city urban environment in Uganda as well as elsewhere in the African context. Methodologically, a longitudinal survey can be undertaken in the same context using the same variables.