Challenges and Success Factors of Railway Megaprojects in Ethiopia

Abstract

In this days project management knowledge and practices becomes very
essential due to the fact that managing projects have been emerged complex
and challenging from time to time. However, in Ethiopia, very little is studied
about critical project success factors, measuring criteria, project management
knowledge areas, tools and techniques. The aim of this study is to assess the
critical success factors and challenges of the overall railway construction
project success in Ethiopia. The study design was explanatory. Mixed
approach was used and both primary and secondary data were collected
using questionnaires. A sample of 79 respondents was selected from a
population of 264. The study findings show that project success factors such
as: leadership effectiveness, project team, Contractors. Competency, cost
Management, communication management, time management, quality
management, risk management, and stakeholder participation respectively are
found to be critical factors to the project success. The study also concluded
that the major challenging failure factors were: investment cost, skilled
manpower in the sector, project integration and stakeholder management,
contract administration, and land topography. Thus, it is recommended that
participation of relevant stakeholders such as: a farmer on the road sides,
people to be displaced and others that may be affected by the project is very
essential for successful completion of projects. The Ethiopian Railway
Corporation should give emphasis on improving contract administration
practices, integration project activities, and improving the project quality
management activities. In addition to this, Success factors that have
significant effect on the overall success of the railway project should be
managed selectively according to their effects.