The Impact of Large-scale Project on the Local Community: a Case Study of the Okpella Cement Plant
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To find out the performance of large scale project in Okella Cement plant
- To find out the characteristics of large scale project
- To find out the effect of large scale project in Okella community
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Performance of Government Projects
Previous studies of government projects have found underperformance in terms of cost, schedule, and deliverable quality (Kwak& Smith, 2009;Patanakul & Omar, 2011; Patanakul 2014).In particular, studies have indicated that schedule delays are a source of great distress to both Project Owners (government) and Project Managers (contractors), mainly because poor schedule performance can directly and indirectly impact other performance measures such as cost (Majid &McCaffer, 1998; Frimpong &Oluwoye, 2003; Lyer& Jha, 2006; Han et al., 2009), particularly in infrastructure and capital megaprojects (Stannard, 1990; Merrow, McDonnell, &Argüden, 1988; Flyvbjerg, Holm, & Buhl, 2003a; Flyvbjerg et al., 2003b; Flyvbjerg, Holm, & Buhl, 2004; Flyvbjerg, 2007). As a result, both researchers and practitioners have continually focused on the analysis of schedule delays in large-scale projects to finds ways for improvement (Assaf, Al-Khalil, & Al-Hazmi, 1995; Chan & Kumaraswamy, 1995; Flyvbjerg, Bruzelious, &Rothengatter, 2003b; Williams, 2003). Studies have also found that poor performance of government projects is a result of structural complexity, for example the number and interdependence of elements, and uncertainty in goals and means (Bruelious, Flyvberg, &Rothengatter, 1998; Kwak, Walewski, Sleeper, &Sadatsafavi, 2014a; Williams, 1999 and 2004). In addition to complexity, studies have indicated that delay of government-initiated infrastructure projects is a result of inadequate resources, public agencies’ and contractors’ financial difficulties, organizational deficiencies, frequent change orders, and considerable extra work (Arditi, Akan, &Gurdamar 1985; Park, J.R., Park, Y.K., & Kim 2005; Gil, 2007). Lovallo& Kahneman (2003) suggested that overly optimistic Project Owners and Project Managers greatly contribute to schedule delays and cost overruns of large-scale projects.
Insufficient and poor risk management also contribute to project delays and cost overruns of government projects (Baldry, 1998; Tysseland, 2008; Kwak & Smith, 2009; Patanakul & Omar, 2011; Patanakul 2014). Kwak and Smith (2009) explored key aspects involved in managing risk associated with acquisition projects within the U.S. Department of Defense in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of overall program management practices.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the impact of large scale project on the local community. Okpella cement plant forms the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of large scale project on the local community. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of the impact of large scale project on the local community.
Summary
This study was on the impact of large scale project on the local community. Three objectives were raised which included; To find out the performance of large scale project in Okella Cement plant, To find out the characteristics of large scale project and to find out the effect of large scale project in Okella community. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Okella Cement plant. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
Socio-economic impact assessments are assuming greater significance in project planning and approval due to growing awareness about the adverse effects and disproportionate benefits of large-scale projects. Through a series of steps, SEIA attempts to paint an accurate picture of the future project situation by focusing on the nature, magnitude, distribution, duration and significance of changes in the social and economic well-being of communities affected by the proposed development, including social acceptability, using a range of techniques and information. The results, which are summarized quantitatively and qualitatively, provide the basis for informed decision-making and planning in order to mitigate, minimize or compensate for adverse impacts, while optimizing beneficial outcomes. It highlights the complexity and intricate nature of the issues SEIA deals with, especially for large-scale projects such as the above. Among others, it demonstrates the need, in this context, for greater consultations with all affected communities located within the impact region of the proposed Okpella cement plant, including a greater role for the provincial and federal governments in all aspects of the project
Recommendation
Other research studies can be conducted to investigate the impact of project management processes on performance of government projects. Based on the evidence from this study, one specific process that the researchers should pay attention to is the auditing and review process. While project audits are beneficial, too many audits and reviews can distract project personnel from project works causing the negative impact on the progress and the performance of the project and its personnel. A potential future research question is that at what point the project audit moves away from being beneficial to the project performance and becomes a burden, and what type of projects benefit more from auditing
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