Influence of Project Team Management on Project Performance: A Case of Compassion International Projects in Ruhango District, Rwanda
Rosine Nsengibaho and Jean de Dieu Dushimimana
University of Kigali, Rwanda
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6728-2842
Email: galenex03@gmail.com
Abstract: Project performance has become a major concern for development organizations implementing projects across Rwanda. Development initiatives implemented in sectors such as education, health, and community development often encounter challenges related to delays in project completion, inefficient resource utilization, and limited sustainability of project outcomes. This study assessed the influence of project team management on the performance of Compassion International projects in Ruhango District, Rwanda. Human Capital Theory, Resource-Based View Theory, Social Exchange Theory and Theory of Change informed the investigation. A descriptive and correlational design was employed, with a target population of 457 and a selected sample of 210. Of 210 questionnaires distributed, 194 complete returns were analysed (92.4%). A pilot of 21 respondents was undertaken in Muhanga District; the content validity index was 0.86 and overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.831. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple regression were analysed using SPSS version 29. Correlations with project performance were positive for technical expertise (r = 0.721), communication (r = 0.799), conflict management (r = 0.744), and collaboration (r = 0.800). The model explained 80.1% of the observed variation (R² = 0.801). All four predictors were statistically significant: technical expertise management (B = 0.180), communication management (B = 0.388), conflict management (B = 0.179) and team collaboration (B = 0.209), each reported at p < 0.05. Communication management had the largest unique coefficient. The study recommends structured skills development, clear communication protocols, conflict-resolution mechanisms and coordinated team planning to improve project delivery.
