Influence of Project Planning on the Successful Implementation of Road Rehabilitation and Construction Projects in Rwanda: The Case of Feeder Roads Development Project

Jean Pierre Nkezabo and Thomas Tarus
University of Kigali
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2013-6683
Email: nkezabo@gmail.com

Abstract: Despite efforts and investment to improve road connectivity, some projects still experience delays, cost variation, funding constraints, and implementation challenges that affect timely delivery and overall project success. This study therefore examined the influence of Schedule Management Planning, Cost Management Planning, Resource Management Planning and Risk Management Planning on successful project implementation. The study was guided by Contingency Theory, the Theory of Constraints and Scheduling Theory. A quantitative research approach was adopted. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 176 respondents and analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that all four planning dimensions had positive and statistically significant relationships with project success. Cost Management Planning was the strongest predictor (β = 0.619, p < 0.001), followed by Risk Management Planning (β = 0.255, p < 0.001), Resource Management Planning (β = 0.181, p < 0.001) and Schedule Management Planning (β = 0.179, p < 0.001). The model explained 69.8% of the variation in project success (R² = 0.698; adjusted R² = 0.691) and was statistically significant (F(4, 171) = 98.659, p < 0.001). Project success, measured through time, quality and cost performance, was rated more positively in quality than in timely completion and budget compliance. The study recommends strengthening integrated project planning, particularly cost estimation and control, risk management, resource mobilization and realistic scheduling, to improve road project delivery in Rwanda.