Effects of Project Implementation Practices on Project Performance in Tanzania: The Case of Mnazi Bay Gas

Abstract

Purpose: The successful achievement of any project means that several of its perceived factors were attained. The success of projects depends on how the risks are mitigated and the way it is managed and controlled. This study examined project implementation management practices and their effects on the Mnazi Bay Gas Project Performance. Towards analysing the data, the study used the Resource Based Theory, Theory of Constraints, Management Theory, and Stakeholder Theory.

Methodology: The study employed a descriptive approach and utilized primary and secondary research methods. The sample size for the study was 100 respondents which included residents around the project, local government leaders, political leaders as well as managers and officials managing the project. Out of 100 only 84 respondents were reached. This study employed simple random sampling and purposive sampling to recruit study sample. The quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and the collected data were analysed using descriptive analysis and presented through descriptive statistics.

Findings: The study reveals a positive relationship between the successful implementation of the Mnazi Bay Gas project and its overall performance, notwithstanding the challenges associated with community involvement. The research significantly advances our understanding of how project management methods influence the project's success. furthermore, the study highlights the project's strengths, including effective implementation, skilled personnel, and clear communication channels, but also identifies weaknesses, particularly in community engagement. Moreover, the study underscores the impact of various management and implementation challenges, such as difficulties in community involvement, regulatory compliance, and environmental assessments, on the project's performance and ultimate success.

Conclusion: The study leverages Resource-Based Theory to underscore the efficient utilization of available resources, demonstrating its impact on Mnazi Bay Gas project performance. It utilizes the Theory of Constraints to pinpoint and tackle critical bottlenecks within this resource-intensive project. Management Theory offers a comprehensive view of project management practices and evaluates diverse managerial approaches. Lastly, Stakeholder Theory provides a thorough analysis of stakeholder interests and involvement, shedding light on the intricate dynamics within Mnazi Bay Gas involving local and international stakeholders. This integration of theories enhances the study's analytical framework, enabling a multifaceted evaluation of project implementation practices and their influence on project performance. This study concludes that there is positive relationship between project implementation and the performance of the Mnazi Bay Gas project. Apart from challenges that were identified with regard to community involvement, the Mnazi Bay Gas project was implemented well. However, there are challenges which were identified during planning in so far as the indigenous or surrounding community of the project are concerned. They were not furnished with enough information about the project, their expectations were not met mainly employment to an uneducated and better life and the dissemination of information during planning was bias since the brochures and flyers used a foreign language which is English.

Recommendations/Policy Implications: Theories enrich the study's analytical framework, facilitating a comprehensive assessment of project implementation practices and their influence on performance. Thus, with this achievement policymakers should consider resource allocation strategies to enhance project performance in resource-intensive endeavors and address critical bottlenecks within projects and implement measures to alleviate constraints. Practitioners involved in project implementation should focus on optimizing resource utilization. Practitioners should adopt a stakeholder-oriented approach, actively engaging with diverse stakeholders and considering their interests throughout the project's lifecycle.