Assessment of Relationship between Quality Management and Performance of the Energy Infrastructure Component in the Energy for Rural Transformation Project in Uganda

Abstract

This study examined the influence of quality management on the performance of the Energy Infrastructure component in the Energy for Rural Transformation (ERT) project in Uganda. The project which was launched in 2001 had a vision of using energy schemes to reduce poverty and cause rural transformation in Uganda. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of quality management on the performance of the Energy Infrastructure component in the project in Uganda. The methodology employed in this study was a crosssectional design applying both qualitative and quantitative approaches; data was collected from key stakeholders of the project in Kampala and the surrounding areas using selfadministered questionnaires and interviews. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis meanwhile quantitative data was analysed using SPSS. The findings of the study indicated a positive significant relationship between quality assurance and performance; and a weak positive relationship between quality planning, quality control and funding guidelines with project performance. The study concluded that quality management i.e. quality planning, quality assurance and quality control had an effect on performance. The major limitations of the study were: inability to cover all the geographical areas where the project was implemented, confinement of the study within only the Energy Infrastructure component which makes the results not to be easily generalizable the other components of the projects. The study recommended that the Energy Infrastructure component in the ERT project in Uganda should plan and incorporate quality management activities in the projects, then revisit the definitions of program outputs to include meeting specifications not only targets in terms of coverage (quantity).