The Influence of Effective Contract Management Procedures on the Success of Road Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of Tanzania National Roads Agency Iringa Regional Office

Author

Damiano Simkanga, Dr. Yasinta Kassimba, Dr. Theobald Kipilimba

Abstract

 This study investigated the influence of effective contract management procedures on the success of road infrastructure projects at the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) Iringa Regional Office. Anchored in Agency Theory, Transaction Cost Economics, and Relational Contracting Theory, the study evaluated three specific operational objectives: contract planning and administrative procedures, contract monitoring and supervision procedures, and contract modification and variation control procedures. An explanatory and correlational quantitative research design was adopted, utilizing a complete census framework of sixty-seven (N = 67) technical, procurement, legal, and contracting professionals operating under TANROADS Iringa. Primary data were gathered using structured Likert-scale questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that effective contract management procedures collectively account for 61.4% of the variance observed in road infrastructure project success (R2 = 0.614, F (3, 63) = 28.140, p < 0.001). Contract monitoring and supervision procedures emerged as the dominant direct positive predictor (β*= 0.412, p < 0.001), followed by contract modification and variation control procedures (β= 0.321, p = 0.003), and contract planning and administrative procedures (β = 0.258, p = 0.018). The study concludes that while internal supervisory controls ensure high asset durability and technical specification compliance, schedule performance remains constrained by external right-of-way site clearance delays and centralized financial variation approval hierarchies. Revisions to local financial delegation limits and mandatory pre-commencement site clearance policies are recommended.

Keywords

Effective Contract Management, Road Infrastructure, Project Success, TANROADS Iringa, Contract Monitoring, Scope Variations.

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