Managing procurement process risks, stakeholder engagement and value for money realization in road infrastructure projects in Uganda

Abstract

Achieving value for money in road infrastructure projects has remained a daunting task for many countries, Uganda inclusive. Therefore, this study aimed as examining the relationship between managing procurement process risks, stakeholder engagement, and value for money realization in road infrastructure projects in Uganda. The cross-sectional correlational research design and quantitative research approach were used to determine the extent of the relationship between the variables. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 212 respondents out of the targeted 282 respondents which translated into a response rate of 75 percent.

The study results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between managing procurement process risks and value for money realization in road infrastructure projects. The results also indicated that procurement planning and contract management have a statistically significant and positive relationship with value for money realization in roads projects. However, the tendering process was found to have an insignificant relationship with the value for money realization, and therefore, it should be accorded little emphasis when managing risks in the procurement process. Additionally, stakeholder engagement was found to have a significant positive relationship with value for money realization in road infrastructure projects; and also mediates the relationship between managing procurement process risk and value for money realization in in road infrastructure projects in Uganda.

The study recommends, among others, that procuring Entities should give more attention to procurement planning and contract management since they have a big bearing on whether investments in public road infrastructure return value to the taxpayers.