The role of the organization structure in the implementation of public building Projects in kenya

Abstract

This thesis is a study of the role of the organization structure in the implementation of public building construction projects in Kenya. Three case studies of public organizations have been selected for examination. The three organizations are the Ministry of Works, Housing and Physical Planning, the National Housing Corporation and the Municipal Council of Mombasa. The study examines the structural design of these organizations and the problems which arise when implementing building construction projects. The study has established that the organization structures adopted by the three public organizations are not appropriate or conducive to effective project management. In most cases, they have tended to be rigid and bureaucratic. Those dealing with the projects directly are not given the full authority to do so and are sometimes overuled by those directly above them. The interference comes in the form of instructions which are mostly directives or refusals of some appropriate decisions taken by those dealing with the projects. The first part of this study comprises the introductory chapter which forms the outline of the study and introduces the evolution of project organization structure. Public organizations implementing building projects in Kenya have been blamed for not delivering constructed facilities, specifically building projects, on time, at reasonable cost and in good form. It is the author's conviction that the root cause of these problems lies in the way these organizations are structured and the way institutional frameworks in the construction industry in Kenya have come to be adopted and applied without considering the disadvantages involved. The second chapter, therefore looks into the concepts associated with organization structures in order to understand the problems facing the public organizations charged with implementing building projects. Chapter three deals with systems approach and construction organization structures. Systems theory has had significant impact on how organizations are viewed. It provides a basis for understanding the nature of organizations, their problems and their opportunities. The second part of this thesis consists of three case studies. The case study method has been chosen in an attempt to identify some of the factors influencing the project implementation process. The roles of the departments concerned in the implementation process are examined.- Case studies of the projects implemented in each of the organizations .~ have been examined with a view of identifying the organizations effectiveness in managing the projects. In the projects examined, an attempt has been made to investigate interdepartmental relationships in the project implementation process. The project participants roles were examined to determine how they integrate to achieve harmony. The data and information for the case studies were collected between February and March 1986- through recorded information from project files, interviews and discussions. The results obtained from the case studies were found to be similar. Procedures adopted by the organizations under study were found to be too lengthy and bureaucratic and there was lack of integration and conflict of roles during the implementation process. Chapter five is the conclusion and recommendations.