Role of project management skills on performance of construction projects: a case of selected construction firms in Mombasa county, Kenya

Abstract

Various construction firms have used project management skills and techniques as a means of bridging the gap between failure and success in implementation of projects. Despite this increased awareness of construction project management skills, by these construction firms, projects still fail. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of construction project management skills on performance of construction projects with reference to construction firms based within Mombasa.The survey targeted selected construction firms within the Mombasa county and especially the ones that deal with the major projects that have high impacts to the country economy currenly being undertaken within the County. The specific objective was to determine to role of project Planning skills on construction projects in construction firms based within Mombasa,to assess the role of communication skills on construction projects in construction firms based within Mombasa,to assess the role of risk management skills on construction projects in construction firms based within Mombasa. Lastly, the study sought to determine the role of monitoring and control skill on construction projects in construction firms based within Mombasa. The study will be of benefit to the projects managers, sponsors, public & private sector,research organizations and scholars who would want to carry out further research in this area. The study adopted a descriptive research design with a target population of 111 staffs working at the construction firms in Mombasawhich generated a sample of 33 respondents. Questionnaires was the main data collection instruments. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research in its data analysis. Data was presented using tables. The study found out that Projects are constrained by inadequate planning skills that are required for effective planning for project success; Project planning is complicated and risky, hence requires varying skills sets for successful project implementation and management; Increasing complexity in the projects with pressure of time and costs has led to the introduction of high quality software and hardware which requires skilled planning.