The Influence of Contract Management Practice on Operational Performance on Government Organizations in Uganda

Abstract

The aim the study was to establish the influence of contract management practices on operational performance of government organizations in Uganda using Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) as a case study. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the benefits of effective contract management practices at UNRA, to identify the challenges that hinder effective contract management practices in government organizations in Uganda, and to assess how operational performance can be improved at Uganda National Roads Authority(UNRA). The study used a quantitative research design approach whereby numerical data was collected and analyzed using statistical methods. The study also adopted a qualitative research design approach as it also focused on findings which could not be expressed numerically such as perceptions. The study targeted a population of 25 respondents from different departments at UNRA. It also employed a simple random sampling technique as it allowed every element of the population to have a chance of inclusion in the study. Both primary and secondary data was used in the study. The data collection methods used in the study were observation, interview, and questionnaire. Data was analyzed, interpreted and presented using tables, pie-charts, and graphs. The study examined some of the benefits of effective contract management practices to UNRA as ensuring collaboration, time saving, increased contract visibility, and increased productivity. The study findings also indicated that UNRA as an organization mostly faced the challenges of budget or timeline constraints, inadequate skilled human resources, and change management as hindrances to effective contract management practices. The study findings went ahead to indicate that UNRA as an organization can improve their operational performance through using performance data, implementing automation, creating open lines of communication, and hiring and training the right people well. The study concluded that there is a strong positive influence of contract management practice on operational performance of government organizations in Uganda. However, the study recommends constant training of the employees, putting in ace appropriate measures to manage potential risks, use of information technology, and embracing change as an inevitable aspect of life.