Influence of Project Planning Practices on Project Success: A Case of Ntaruka Hydro Power Plant Project in Nyaruguru District, Rwanda

Chantal Munezero, Jean de Dieu Dushimimana
University of Kigali
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4823-4731
Email: munezeroc209@gmail.com

Abstract: Project planning practices remain a critical determinant of project success in Rwanda, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and public development programs where efficient delivery is essential for national growth. Despite the government’s strong emphasis on results-based management and strategic planning frameworks, many projects continue to experience challenges related. The general objective of this study is to examine the influence of project planning practices on project success in Rwanda with reference to Ntaruka hydro power plant project in Nyaruguru district in Rwanda. A descriptive and correlational research design with a quantitative approach was used. The target population consisted of 279 project stakeholders, from which universal sampling was applied. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and documentation and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0 to perform descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. The results showed significant positive effects of project resource planning (β = 0.159, t = 4.297, p < 0.05), project risk mitigation planning (β = 0.472, t = 10.977, p < 0.05), stakeholder planning (β = 0.189, t = 5.250, p < 0.05), and monitoring and evaluation planning (β = 0.142, t = 3.087, p = 0.002) on project success at Ntaruka hydro power plant project in Nyaruguru district. The study concluded that coordinated planning across resources, risks, stakeholders, and monitoring arrangements strengthened project success. It is recommended that project management sustain integrated planning reviews and act promptly on emerging implementation evidence.