A Strategic Analysis of Public Procurement Maturity Level To Enhancing Road Construction Success: A case of Adama City

Abstract

Effective procurement management practices are crucial for the success of road construction projects, contributing to factors like quality, budget, and schedule adherence. The study aims to evaluate and enhance the public procurement management practices within the road construction sector of Adama City, Ethiopia, aiming to elevate the maturity level of procurement processes and thereby improve the overall performance and success rate of road construction projects. To achieve the objective, the study employed a mixed-methods research approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research approach. Data were acquired by using a questionnaire and interview. The research design was used a combination of descriptive and exploratory research design: purposive sampling technique was use. The data analysis methods used descriptive analysis techniques and exploratory analysis techniques using mean score sand standard division, relative important index and multiple linear regression method, based on the findings relevant conclusions were drawn using Statistical Package for the social science and excel software. Addresses to stakeholder engagement, feedback mechanisms, clear job specifications, and ongoing training are crucial for achieving a high level of maturity in procurement management. Addresses to establishing clear guidelines, adhering to procedures, and involving stakeholders in the process, project teams; regulatory compliance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, transparency, and continuous improvement; clear responsibilities, incentive plans, career development, contractor evaluation, performance management systems, and effective human resource management; and comprehensive and specialized training to ensure efficient and high-quality in achieving favorable outcomes in terms of cost, schedule, and quality. Improvement strategies prioritization the procurement management maturity on project performance, by implementing clear guidelines for all stages of the procurement cycle and matching procurement methods to project needs, organizations can improve strategic planning and policy on project performance. Additionally, regularly evaluating and adjusting procurement strategies, as well as continuously assessing and updating processes, can enhance process optimization and efficiency. Moreover, integrating Building Information Modeling technology for better project visualization and leveraging advanced technologies to streamline procurement processes can improve technology integration and data utilization. Lastly, investing in professional training for procurement personnel and proactively identifying and managing risks to minimize cost overruns and delays are crucial steps to enhance risk management and capacity building for successful project performance. By implementing these strategies, organizations can strengthen their project management practices and achieve better outcomes in today's competitive business landscape.