Project Management Practices and Project Performance: A Case Study of Child Protection Project in Kamonyi District, Rwanda

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.6.1.23

Authors

Keywords:

Child Protection, Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management Practices, Project Performance, Stakeholder Management

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to examine the effect of project management practices on performance of child protection project. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the effect of risk management on performance of child protection project, to assess the effect of stakeholder management on performance of child protection project, to examine the effect of communication on performance of child protection project and to analyze the effect of monitoring & evaluation on performance of child protection project in Kamonyi district. The theories that guided this study were the theory of constraints, theory of stakeholder, theory of self-interest and realistic evaluation theory. The study employed the descriptive and correlational research design. The target population was 178 people including project coordinator, project donors, project team members and project beneficiaries. The population was small and accessible; therefore, the census method was used to collect data. When collecting data, the researcher used the questionnaire and interview guide. The collected data was analyzed using qualitative analysis based on the answers of participants and quantitative analysis using descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, regression analysis employing SPSS version 25.0. The findings demonstrate that R-value of 0.228 indicates a positive correlation between the predictors (stakeholder management, risk management, communication and monitoring & evaluation) and dependent variable (Project performance). Regarding to the predictors, the result indicates that the association between stakeholder management and performance of child protection project in Kamonyi district is positive and no significant effect (beta=0.041, p-value=0.561˃0.05). Further, the relationship between communication and performance of child protection project in Kamonyi district is positive and no significant effect (beta= 0.026, p-value=0.722˃0.05). Moreover, the relationship between risk management and performance of child protection project in Kamonyi district is positive and no significant effect (beta=0.030, p-value=0.673˃0.05). Lastly, the result shows that the association between M&E and performance of child protection project is positive and significant effect (beta=0.173, p-value=0.012˂0.05).overall, this study found no significant impact of stakeholder management, communication, risk management on performance of child protection project in Kamonyi district. However, there is significant effect of monitoring & evaluation on performance of a child protection project in Kamonyi district. The study suggests to Child Protection Project to include policies for protecting children from risks, improving communication skills for better interactions with children, working closely with parents and caregivers, and creating a monitoring and evaluation plan with experienced staff. Further, Kamonyi district should partnering with NGOs for quality child protection, understanding risks, developing strategies, and focusing on early intervention and family support services to prevent families from needing further assistance.

Dimensions

Adamtey, S., & Kereri, J. O. (2023). Risk management in residential projects in the United States: Implementation status, evaluation techniques, and barriers. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 21(5), 1481-1500.

https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-05-2021-0246 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-05-2021-0246

Akintelu, S. O., Oyebola, A. I., Tiamiyu, S., & Olateju, O. (2023). The impact of project communication management on successful project delivery in the construction industry: A case study. 12(8), 376-386.

Alice, U., & Odhuno, E. (2022). Project design and child welfare and safety in Rwanda: A case of Keeping Children Safety Project in Gasabo District. Journal of Economics, 6(1), 11-35.

https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t6015 DOI: https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t6015

Algremazy, N. A., Ideris, Z., Alferjany, M. A., & Akram, A. (2023). The effect of risk management practices on project performance: A case study of the Libyan construction industry. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 8(6), 01-20. https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2023.v8i6.1420 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2023.v8i6.1420

Almashhadani, M., & Almashhadani, H. A. (2023). English translations in project management: Enhancing cross-cultural communication and project success. International Journal of Business and Management Invention, 12(6), 291-297.

Apgar, J. M., Allen, W., Albert, J., Douthwaite, B., Paz Ybarnegaray, R., & Lunda, J. (2017). Getting beneath the surface in program planning, monitoring and evaluation: Learning from the use of participatory action research and theory of change in the CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems. Action Research, 15(1), 15-34. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476750316673879 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1476750316673879

Banihashemi, S., Hosseini, M. R., Golizadeh, H., & Sankaran, S. (2017). Critical success factors (CSFs) for integration of sustainability into construction project management practices in developing countries. International Journal of Project Management, 35(6), 1103-1119.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.01.014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.01.014

Benimana, G. (2022). Protection of children's rights in Rwanda: Perspectives of social workers (Doctoral dissertation, Mykolo Romerio Universitetas).

Bishu, K. G., O'Reilly, S., Lahiff, E., & Steiner, B. (2018). Cattle farmers' perceptions of risk and risk management strategies: Evidence from Northern Ethiopia. Journal of Risk Research, 21(5), 579-598. https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2016.1223163 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2016.1223163

Celestin, M., Paul, H. J., & Clementine, N. (2022). Analysis of effective communication and project success: Survey on electricity access rollout project at EDCL-EARP. 7(1), 2789-3758.

Chifodya, P. (2022). An evaluation of results-based management in Zimbabwe's NGOs: Selected organizations in the child protection sector between the years 2015-2021. 3(2), 2583-0333.

Craig, R. T., & Xiong, B. (2022). Traditions of communication theory and the potential for multicultural dialogue. Journal of Multicultural Discourses, 17(1), 1-25.

https://doi.org/10.1080/17447143.2021.2009487 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17447143.2021.2009487

Datt, M., Gupta, A., Misra, S. K., & Gupta, M. (2024). Theory of constraints in healthcare: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 41(6), 1417-1456. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-02-2022-0056 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-02-2022-0056

Douthwaite, B., Ahmad, F., & Shah, G. M. (2020). Putting theory of change into use in complex settings. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 35(1), 35-52. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.43168 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.43168

Ekleş, E., & Türkmen, M. (2022). Integrating the theory of constraints and Six Sigma: Process improvement implementation. Istanbul Business Research, 51(1), 123-147.

Eskerod, P., Huemann, M., & Ringhofer, C. (2015). Stakeholder inclusiveness: Enriching project management with general stakeholder theory. Project Management Journal, 46(6), 42-53.

https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.21546 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.21546

Freeman, R. E. (1999). Divergent stakeholder theory. Academy of Management Review, 24(2), 233-236.

https://doi.org/10.2307/259078 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/259078

https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1999.1893932 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1999.1893932

Fuchs, C. (2019). Henri Lefebvre's theory of the production of space and the critical theory of communication. Communication Theory, 29(2), 129-150. https://doi.org/10.1093/ct/qty025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ct/qty025

Gibson, M. (2020). The shame and shaming of parents in the child protection process: Findings from a case study of an English child protection service. Families, Relationships and Societies, 9(2), 217-233. https://doi.org/10.1332/204674318X15447907611406 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1332/204674318X15447907611406

Harelimana, J. B., & Umugwaneza, M. (2024). The effects of monitoring and evaluation on the performance of dairy community processing centres in Rwanda. JBES, 1(1), 1-6.

https://doi.org/10.61440/JBES.2024.v1.09 DOI: https://doi.org/10.61440/JBES.2024.v1.09

Harnett, P. H. (2024). Managing risk and uncertainty in the context of child protection decision making. The British Journal of Social Work, bcae056, 54(6), 2435-2449.

https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcae056 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcae056

Isangha, S. O., Akintunde, T. Y., Choi, W. M. A., & Lin, T. C. H. (2024). "There is not much we can do": The roles and challenges of Nigeria's child protection social workers. Child & Family Social Work, 29(3), 625-636. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.13122 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.13122

Janosz, M. (2018). The theory of constraints as a method of results optimization in complex organizations. Archives of Foundry Engineering, 18(4), 59-64.

https://doi.org/10.24425/afe.2018.125169 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24425/afe.2018.125169

Kimathi, J. K., & Mungai, A. M. W. (2024). Stakeholder engagement process and performance of national government-funded child welfare projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya. International Journal of Social Sciences Management and Entrepreneurship (IJSSME), 8(1), 360-373.

Khrais, S. T., & Alkhatib, S. F. S. (2022). Project management best practices and project success in developing economies: A Jordanian study. International Journal of Operational Research, 43(3), 360-389. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJOR.2022.122334 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJOR.2022.122334

Lambert, H., & Kengere, O. (2023). Effects of project risks management and sustainability of manufacturing industry projects in Rwanda: A case study of Sulfo Industries Ltd. Cognizance Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 3(10), 361-376.

https://doi.org/10.47760/cognizance.2023.v03i10.024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47760/cognizance.2023.v03i10.024

Li, X., & Yang, P. (2024). Effective paths and model innovations for social work-driven child protection in the context of the Internet. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences, 9(1), 2444-8656. https://doi.org/10.2478/amns-2024-1102 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/amns-2024-1102

Lietz, P. (2010). Research into questionnaire design: A summary of the literature. International Journal of Market Research, 52(2), 249-272. https://doi.org/10.2501/S147078530920120X DOI: https://doi.org/10.2501/S147078530920120X

Manuputty, N. A., & Nursin, A. (2023). The effect of project communications management on project time performance. Applied Research on Civil Engineering and Environment (ARCEE), 4(01), 9-21. https://doi.org/10.32722/arcee.v4i01.4798 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32722/arcee.v4i01.4798

Mashali, A., Elbeltagi, E., Motawa, I., & Elshikh, M. (2023). Stakeholder management challenges in mega construction projects: Critical success factors. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 21(2), 358-375.

https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-09-2021-0483 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-09-2021-0483

McGahan, A. M. (2023). The new stakeholder theory on organizational purpose. Strategy Science, 8(2), 245-255.

https://doi.org/10.1287/stsc.2023.0184 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1287/stsc.2023.0184

Menon, S. (2024). Best practices and implementation challenges in effective project management. International Business Research, 17(2), 1913-9013. https://doi.org/10.5539/ibr.v17n2p66 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/ibr.v17n2p66

Mishra, A., & Mishra, D. (2013). Applications of stakeholder theory in information systems and technology. Engineering Economics, 24(3), 254-266. https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.24.3.4618 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.24.3.4618

Monaghan, C., & King, E. (2018). How theories of change can improve education programming and evaluation in conflict-affected contexts. Comparative Education Review, 62(3), 365-384.

https://doi.org/10.1086/698405 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/698405

Monday, T. U. (2020). Impacts of interview as research instrument of data collection in social sciences. Journal of Digital Art & Humanities, 1(1), 15-24. https://doi.org/10.33847/2712-8148.1.1_2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33847/2712-8148.1.1_2

Naz, N., Gulab, F., & Aslam, M. (2022). Development of qualitative semi-structured interview guide for case study research. Competitive Social Science Research Journal, 3(2), 42-52.

Nguyen, T. S., & Mohamed, S. (2021). Mediation effect of stakeholder management between stakeholder characteristics and project performance. Journal of Engineering, Project & Production Management, 11(2), 102-117.

Nsengiyumva, J., & Ogbe, A. (2022). Assessment of stakeholder engagement practices and the project performance of Prime Cement Ltd, Musanze District, Rwanda. GSJ, 10(12), 2320-9186.

Ogomegbunam, O. A. (2023). Stress management strategies and employee performance: An application of correlational research design on manufacturing firms in Edo State, Nigeria. Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Studies, 6(2), 678-690.

https://doi.org/10.47191/jefms/v6-i2-13 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47191/jefms/v6-i2-13

Oluwafemi, S. D. (2023). Technical monitoring management systems and performance of child protection projects: A case of non-governmental organizations in Borno State, Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation, Africa Nazarene University).

Ovcina, A., & Arslanagic-Kalajdzic, M. (2024). The role of monitoring and evaluation and project implementation management system for non-profit project performance in developing countries. South East European Journal of Economics and Business, 19(1), 63-76. https://doi.org/10.2478/jeb-2024-0005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jeb-2024-0005

Rabechini Jr, R., Abarca, E. A. M., Salcedo, N. U., Saldaña, C. J. P. H., & Paiva, D. C. (2022). Stakeholder management and project management office: Effect on project results. Revista de Administração de Empresas, 62(6), 2020-1077.

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0034-759020220606x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/s0034-759020220606x

Rahman, M., & Adnan, T. (2020). Risk management and risk management performance measurement in the construction projects of Finland. Journal of Project Management, 5(3), 167-178. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.jpm.2020.5.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5267/j.jpm.2020.5.001

Rwelamila, P. D., & Purushottam, N. (2012). Project management trilogy challenges in Africa-Where to from here? Project Management Journal, 43(4), 5-13.

https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.21278 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.21278

Rutto, A. K., & Nyang'au, S. P. (2024). Project management principles and project performance in child protection in Nairobi City County, Kenya. International Journal of Social Sciences Management and Entrepreneurship (IJSSME), 8(3), 552-565.

Semiz, K., Baran, E., & İnce, M. (2022). Restructuring a university health-related physical activity course with technology: A design-based research. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, 13(3), 191-216. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1166034 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1166034

Waghmare, M., & Singhal, S. (2022). Monitoring and evaluation framework for inclusive smart cities in India. Development in Practice, 32(2), 144-162.

https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2021.1907535 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2021.1907535

Waweru, S. W., & Kimathi, D. (2022). Project monitoring and evaluation practices on performance of national government water and sanitation projects in Machakos County, Kenya. International Journal of Social Sciences Management and Entrepreneurship (IJSSME), 6(2), 96-105.

Wendt, S., Bastian, C., & Jones, M. (2021). Building collaboration with child protection and domestic and family violence sectors: Trialling a living lab approach. The British Journal of Social Work, 51(2), 692-711. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcaa206 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcaa206

Woodley, R. (1981). Iohannes Tinctoris: A review of the documentary biographical evidence. Journal of the American Musicological Society, 34(2), 217-248.

https://doi.org/10.1525/jams.1981.34.2.03a00020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/jams.1981.34.2.03a00020

https://doi.org/10.2307/831347 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/831347

Yau, N. J., & Yang, J. B. (2012). Factors causing design schedule delays in turnkey projects in Taiwan: An empirical study of power distribution substation projects. Project Management Journal, 43(3), 50-61. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.21265 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.21265

Zakaria, N., Ali, A. S., & Yi, T. Y. (2020). Application of Theory of Constraints in Quantity Surveying Firms. J. Build. Perform, 11(1), 2180-2106.

Published

2025-01-27

How to Cite

Muteteri, J. N., & Dushimimana, J. de D. (2025). Project Management Practices and Project Performance: A Case Study of Child Protection Project in Kamonyi District, Rwanda. African Journal of Empirical Research, 6(1), 247–263. https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.6.1.23

Most read articles by the same author(s)