EXAMINATION OF WORK SCHEDULING PRACTICES ON PROJECT PERFORMANCE IN IRINGA DISTRICT COUNCIL

Author

Sedda J. Mwaipungu, Modestus Lukonge


Abstract

 The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of work scheduling practices on project performance in Iringa District Council. The study focused on work scheduling practices in relation to the timely completion of projects, cost control and the quality of project outputs. A mixed-methods approach using a convergent parallel research design was employed. The study involved 79 questionnaire respondents and four key informants. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that preparation and monitoring of work schedules contributed to improved project performance, particularly by supporting the timely completion of project activities. However, weaknesses in activity sequencing, task allocation and resource allocation affected the implementation of some projects and contributed to delays, poor cost control and weaknesses in the quality of project outputs. The findings further indicated that effective work scheduling enabled project implementers to coordinate activities, allocate responsibilities and resources, monitor progress and identify delays during project implementation. The study concluded that effective work scheduling practices contribute to improved project performance in Iringa District Council through timely completion, better cost control and improved quality of project outputs. The study recommends that Iringa District Council should strengthen the preparation, implementation and continuous monitoring of work schedules, improve the sequencing of project activities, clearly allocate responsibilities and ensure that required resources are available according to the project schedule. Future studies may examine other factors influencing project performance in local government authorities in Tanzania.



Keywords

Work scheduling practices, project performance, project implementation, Iringa District Council, Tanzania.



Full Text:

Download Paper PDF


References


  • Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.
  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE Publications.
  • Controller and Auditor General (CAG). (2025). Annual general report of the Controller and Auditor General on the audit of local government authorities for the financial year 2023/2024. National Audit Office of Tanzania.
  • Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches(5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  • Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research(3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
  • Daniel, E. I., Pasquire, C., & Dickens, G. (2022). Collaborative planning and scheduling practices and project performance in construction projects. International Journal of Construction Management, 22(8), 1450–1461.
  • HR Unit. (2025). Employee records for departments involved in project implementation. Iringa District Council.
  • Kerzner, H. (2022). Project management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling(13th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
  • Kavishe, N. (2023). Project management practices and performance of public development projects in Tanzania. International Journal of Project Management and Development, 5(2), 45–58.
  • Lawuo, J. (2026). Project management practices and performance of government construction projects in Tanzania. Journal of Construction and Project Management, 14(1), 35–49.
  • Moirore, M. M., & Muchelule, Y. W. (2023). Project schedule management practices and performance of construction projects in Kenya. International Journal of Project Management Research, 8(1), 22–37.
  • Mtana, M., Kikwasi, G., & Kihila, J. (2023). Factors influencing time overruns in construction projects in Tanzania: The role of planning and scheduling. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 28(2), 67–84.
  • Project Management Institute. (2021). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide)(7th ed.). Project Management Institute.
  • Project Management Institute. (2024). Practice standard for scheduling(3rd ed.). Project Management Institute.
  • Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research methods for business students(8th ed.). Pearson Education.
  • Yamane, T. (1967). Statistics: An introductory analysis(2nd ed.). Harper and Row.

 

Share your valuable work from Social Media Buttons