Factors influencing scope creep in fiber optic network construction projects in Uganda: A case study of Soliton Telmec (U) Limited

Abstract

The study examined the factors influencing scope creep in fiber optic network construction projects in Uganda, a case study of Soliton Telmec (U) Limited (STL). The objectives of the study were: to distinguish the most critical factors that cause scope creep in fiber optic network construction projects in Uganda; to recognize the effects of scope creep in fiber optic network construction projects in Uganda and to recommend strategies and measures project parties can implement to mitigate the effects of scope creep in fiber optic network construction projects in Uganda. A descriptive survey research design was adopted using a mixed methods approach. The study targeted 102 respondents with a response rate of 96 per cent. Stratified sampling was done to attain homogenous categories and simple random sampling for support staff. Data analysis involved frequencies and percentages. Findings revealed that the most critical factors influencing scope creep at STL were due to long project duration which encouraged the employees to add features to impress the client, and also the growing contractor-client relationship that encouraged the contractor to accept additional works informally. The study revealed that scope creep had largely affected STL’s budget and schedules negatively, thus affecting the quality of works that were eventually handed over to the client which the management highly condemned and had placed measures to curb. The study recommends that management should instill a culture in the employees to only take instructions from management, set up a change management system and overhaul its planning process to incorporate any anticipated changes. Clear communication channels should also be created between management and support staff. Management should also streamline the contract documentation process to clear grey areas that lead to scope creep.