Abstract

Project delay can be defined as the late completion of work compared to the planned schedule. The problem of delays in project delivery is a phenomenon which has far-reaching implications on beneficiaries, donors and implementing organisations. Achievement of a project means that several its perceived factors were attained. It is not guaranteed that performance practices will result to success of funded projects.

However, the success of projects largely depends on the way they are managed and controlled. The challenges met during the execution of projects has been during project planning, exceeding the set budget and going beyond its set schedule and poor quality. This study sought to find out the effect of excusable delays, non-excusable and critical delays on the performance of non-governmental organizations projects in the Buea. The study guided by the chao theory, the coping theory and agency theory and contract. This study used descriptive research design based on primary data.

The sample size was 68 NGOs operating in Buea. Stratified and simple random sampling were used to select the sample. Data was collected using questionnaires hosted on kobo collect and link sent to respective NGOs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. The study findings indicated that there was improved project performance due to effective use of project management practices such as communication, planning, stakeholder participation and monitoring and evaluation of project activities.

The study concluded that project communication significantly affects the project outcomes, therefore, clearly establishing and managing the structures of communication on project must always be on the agenda of team leaders and management before the commencement of every project. The study further concluded that planning, stakeholder participation and monitoring and evaluation had a positive and significant effect on project performance.

The study recommends that the organization should enhance and embrace active communication throughout the organization. The stakeholders and community at large needs to be sensitized to understand the need for project planning, monitoring and implementation at all levels. The study also recommends that stakeholders should be included in all reimplementation and inception meetings as well as their views being incorporated in planning and execution.

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