PROJECT MANAGEMENT: CASE STUDY OF SOME LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study focused on project management: case study of some local government areas in Osun state, Nigeria with keen interest on issues and challenges facing project execution phases. It also examined problems that affect project initiation, planning, execution and control; management of cost, scope, schedule and quality as well as human capacity development. This was with a view to proffer necessary solution to the challenges facing project delivery in local government areas in Osun State. The respondents are Heads of Local Government, Directors, Deputy Directors and Heads of Units. There were 144 respondents. The respondents were chosen using random sampling technique. The research instruments used were structured and unstructured questionnaires. The questionnaire elicited information on issues such as factors affecting project management, scope, cost, schedule and quality of projects; and local government staff capacity building. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result showed that the consideration given by government to project execution in communities have greater influence on its implementation and quality, having a chi square χ result of 77.476 [with p-value of 0.000(<0.05)] which is greater than the table value (16.919) confirms this fact. Projects done with this objective rarely stand the test of time, since they were done to get political attention and for political gain. The result showed a chi-square χ result of 84.046 [with p-value of 0.000(<0.05)] which is greater than table value (16.91). Also, there is significant relationship between the level of staff professionalism and their direct involvement in project execution, the chi-square χ result of 90.534 [with p-value of 0.000(<0.05)] which is greater than table value (16.919) confirms this fact. The study concluded that local government professionals are competent and can deliver if given the necessary support from the government.