Project Management Best Practices for Improved Performance of Mass Housing Estate Projects in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

A project is a carefully defined set of activities that use resources to meet predefined objectives. The availability of decent housing for each family defines the level of development which a country has reached; therefore, housing is fundamental as an important issue for people in all corners of the world, since their well-being is enhanced by the level of enjoyment of certain standards of living. This study investigates the project management best practices used in housing estates for their improved performance especially with regards to time, cost and quality criteria for project execution. The study adopted the use of qualitative and quantitative research techniques, questionnaire and personal observation in the field. The findings show that Project Understanding ranked 1st with Weighted Average of 251 (WT-251, R-1), Top Management Support ranked 2nd with Weighted Average of 247 (WT-247, R-2), Risk Management, Adequate Project Control, Realistic Cost and Time were ranked 3rd with Weighted Average 246 (WT-246, R-3), Competent project team, client involvement and problem solving ability were ranked 4th with Weighted Average of 244 (WT-244, R-4), Project ownership, Project mission and adequate resources are some of the rarely used or not employed tools. It also show that Competent Project Team and Planning / Controlling ranked 1st with Weighted Average 234 (WT-234, R-1), Project Ownership, Monitors Performance and Feedback and Project Mission were ranked 2nd with Weighted Average 226 (WT-226, R-2), Authority of the Project, Top Management Support and Problem Solving Ability were either to a fair extent used or Not used at all in developing mass housing in Minna. The study thereby recommends that adequate project management training should be given to employee in charge of projects; this would increase the knowledge of employees about the best project management practices.