Contractor selection, monitoring and performance of road infrastructure projects in Uganda synergies between policy and law

Abstract: The article highlights the powerful influence of contractor selection in improving road project performance in Uganda. It provides empirical evidence of the performance of road projects as a less studied phenomenon because in Uganda, most public works are delivered with longer delays, contracts are more often awarded to larger suppliers and a higher share of the payment is postponed after delivery. Use of poor-quality materials, poor scheduling, delayed procurement, and poor contractor selection causes cost and time overruns on roads. The study adopts a cross sectional design in terms of quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect data. A multivariate analysis and surveys were taken from 190 respondents. It was found that contractor monitoring has a significant positive effect on the completion of roads while contractor selection has a direct and indirect positive effect on performance of roads through the partial mediation of contractor selection. This suggests that contractor selection has an effect on the improvement of the level of road projects performance in Uganda. There is a need to improve the scrutiny of the contractor selection process in road agencies in Uganda. This will require a good review of the government policy on contractor selection aimed at making it more robust and efficient

An appraisal of the role of good institutions in stimulating economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract: Good institutions were pivotal to the emergence of capitalism and hence the creation of wealth, prosperity and development in the world. In this paper, the authors argue that one of the reasons for the poverty and underdevelopment in sub- Saharan Africa is the weak institutional framework which exists in these countries. The laws, rules and regulations governing businesses and entrepreneurial activities are either too weak or ineffective, and could be riding roughshod over any political interest or individual. The paper presents evidence from the literature to amplify the view that strong and effective institutions are fundamental to reinvigorating economic growth and development. Finally, the authors suggest that a complete overhaul and rejuvenation of the institutional framework which exists in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa is crucial to the creation of jobs, and the alleviation of poverty and underdevelopment

Exploring the relationship between good governance and development in Sub-Saharan Africa : lessons from South America

Africa remains the poorest continent in the world. Intellectuals from Africa and the broader international community have advanced many reasons for poverty and underdevelopment on the continent. Reasons provided include slavery, geography, poor health, culture, globalisation and colonialism. This article acknowledges that these reasons do, to an extent, contribute to the continent’s developmental challenges. However, arguably poor governance is the main developmental obstacle in sub-Saharan Africa. As such, the authors believe that good governance is the core catalyst to facilitate development. Thanks to good governance, other parts of the world that were subjected to the same historical trajectory of slave trade and colonialism have managed to show profound growth. Notably, focus on good governance was particularly effective in developing parts of South America. The article concludes that unless sub-Saharan Africa adopts this type of good governance approach, the dream of development may continue to be elusive

Participatory Governance in the Transformation of the South African Energy Sector: Critical Success Factors for Environmental Leadership

Socio-economic development and economic growth is connected with the intensive use of energy resources, which poses also risks to long-term viability of the biosphere by causing natural resource depletion and environmental degradation. One of the options to reduce Human and environmental risks from extensive energy generation are renewable energy sources. However, there are several barriers for transformation of energy sector towards a greater share of renewable energies. Human factors such as social support or opposition are crucial drivers for this transition.This paper examines the state of infrastructure projects in South Africa and assesses how lessons from these projects can contribute to improve development of energy transformation in the country. It analyses the challenges of applying participatory governance in the energy transition in South Africa, as a critical component of successful infrastructure project implementation, and of insights into fostering environmental leadership. The paper is based on the case studies analysis of ten large infrastructure projects in South Africa and focuses on public participation in these projects, its effects and challenges by applying the ladder of public participation methodology. Findings from the study support the scientific arguments that public participation in decision-making regarding deployment infrastructure projects creates an enabling environment for successful implementation. In conclusion public participation was only in the context of environmental impact assessment which is a mandatory requirement for infrastructure projects in South Africa. Currently public participation is manly regarded as a reactive measure to conflict resolution. It is organized to provide feedback on the results of environmental impact assessment, mainly as a way to address conflict, which has already emerged. Our results show that provision of information and consultation are the two most frequent levels of public participation. Land use issues and questions about benefits and impacts from infrastructure projects on local communities are the most frequent concerns

Variables influencing change leadership competencies to strategically manage transformation in the South African public sector

D.Litt. et Phil. (Public Management and Governance)This study focused on the variables that influence change leadership competencies to strategically manage transformation within the South African public sector. One of the key aims was to develop a competency framework for transformational leaders in senior public management positions. The thesis provided a conceptual description and explanation of appropriate and adequate leadership concepts, theories, approaches and phenomena that influence leadership role competencies for change management. It also contributed to a specific level of understanding of appropriate and adequate change concepts, theories and phenomena regarding the problem of change leadership role competencies. Furthermore, the study also investigated strategic leadership concepts, theories and approaches for addressing the problem of strategic leadership role competencies. A modernist qualitative research methodology was followed, where grounded theory was applied as the research strategy. Furthermore, a qualitative coding paradigm was established to develop an integrated model of strategic and transformational leadership competencies in order to manage organisational change. Importantly, the qualitative coding paradigm was developed to enable public sector employers to develop a competency framework that encompass the key leadership skills, behaviours, attributes and knowledge for senior public managers who have to cope effectively with organisational change within a public sector environment. The study contributed to the development of a substantive theory of the organisational change process. Furthermore, on a practical level, it contributed to the disciplinary and methodological fields of Public Management, Public Leadership and Public Governance

Good governance perspectives in Public Administration and Cybersecurity

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