Towards Addressing Challenges of Achieving Force Account Targets in Tanzania: The Case of Construction Projects Supervised by the Mbeya University of Science and Technology Consultancy Bureau

Abstract

With three main objectives in mind: cost reduction, a shortened timeline, and higher quality, Political influence has used the force account technique extensively in Tanzania since 2016. This led to a range of procurement-related force account difficulties for the public in construction projects. By identifying the obstacles to force account targets and offering solutions that could help to enhance all construction projects in Tanzania that would utilise the force account mechanism, this study sought to strengthen the implementation of construction projects utilising the force account mechanism. The study used a cross-sectional survey research design and a sample of 98 respondents from the Mbeya, Songwe, and Njombe regions of the southern highlands. Construction projects were carried out in these areas using the force account system run by MUST or in coordination with its co-company, MCB. The study's data was gathered through surveys, an interviewing guide, and observations. The validity and reliability of each variable construct in the questionnaires were assessed, and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was employed to gauge the strength of the linear relationship between the study variables (r). The study also acknowledges that if the highlighted concerns are remedied, the method can contribute to the improvement of construction projects. The difficulties that prevent the implementation of force account mechanisms in construction projects include time-consuming hidden costs, the requirement for strict oversight of local funds, a lack of commitment among committee members, political influence, a lack of allowance for committee members, and poor estimation of committee members. The force account system inside the government public procurement legal framework has been found to have a positive and substantial influence on cost reduction, quality enhancement, and adherence to time management. This, in turn, will yield advantageous outcomes for building projects. It is advisable to allocate more resources towards enhancing the execution of building projects in the public sector by employing force account procedures. This approach aims to enhance the performance of public procurement and bolster institutional effectiveness.