Influence of Project Resources Management and Performance of Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP) Rwanda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of project resources management on the performance of the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP) in Rwanda. The study had three specific objectives: to determine the impact of human resource management, to establish the influence of financial resource management, and to assess the effect of access to physical resource management on SAIP performance. The study was grounded in the theories of resource dependence and resource-based theory, providing a solid foundation for the investigation into the relationship between project resources management and SAIP performance. The study utilized both descriptive and inferential research designs. Descriptive research was employed to describe project resources management and project performance, while inferential statistics, including correlation and multiple linear regressions, were used to analyze the relationship between project resources management and SAIP project performance. The target population consisted of 1124 employees of the SAIP project, with a sample size of approximately 92 employees determined using Yamane's formula. Convenience sampling was used to select the sample. Data collection involved self-administered questionnaires and an interview with the project manager. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis, and the results were presented in a narrative format. The results revealed a significant positive effect of human resources on SAIP project performance, with β1 = 0.404, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05, t = 7.127. This implies that increasing human resources by one unit leads to a 0.404 unit increase in SAIP project performance. Similarly, financial resources were found to have a significant positive effect on SAIP project performance, with β2 = 0.284, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05, t = 4.821. Increasing financial resources by one unit results in a 0.181 unit increase in project performance. Additionally, physical resources were found to have a significant positive effect on SAIP project performance, with β3 = 0.106, p-value = 0.043 < 0.05, t = 2.041. Increasing physical resources by one unit leads to a 0.395 unit increase in project performance. The overall view of respondents regarding the performance of the SAIP project was highly positive, with a mean score of 4.29 and a standard deviation of 1.16, providing strong evidence of high project performance. The study concluded that efficient management of project resources, including human, financial, and physical resources, greatly influences project performance in terms of timely completion, reduced costs, satisfaction of project beneficiaries, and improved project deliverables. The study recommends that SAIP projects prioritize training programs to enhance the performance of human resources. Additionally, effective financial resources management, careful monitoring of costs, accurate estimation of project costs based on execution conditions, and special attention to project materials management are crucial. Developing a comprehensive project schedule and implementing regular checks and controls are also recommended to ensure timely completion and proactive management of deviations. Keywords: Project Resources Management, human resources management, financial resources management, physical resources management, SAIP, Rwanda