AN ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN POWER PLANT REHABILITATION. A CASE STUDY OF (ZPC) HWANGE POWER STATION.

RELEASE FORM

Name of author:Ronald. F Musengi

Title of project:An analysis on the effectiveness of project management in power plant rehabilitation. A case study of (ZPC) Hwange Power Station.

Degree title:Bachelor of Commerce honours in Retail and Logistics Management (HRLM) 

Supervisor                             Mr S. Mlambo

Year of research           2017

Permission is hereby granted to the Midlands State University Library to produce copies of this dissertation and to lend such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes only. The researcher reserves other publications rights and neither the dissertation nor exclusive extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author’s permission.

Signed:………………………...........................................................

Date:                                   ...............................................................................................

Residential address:505 Chibondo Baobab Hill Hwange

Cell numbers:0776082341

Email address:[email protected]

                                           

DEDICATIONS

This piece of work is dedicated to my parents Nicholas and Florence Musengi and my loving late grandmother.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My special and sincere thanks go to my supervisor Mr. S Mlambo for his guidance, support, suggestions, useful comments and constructive critique which were all instrumental to the successful completion of this research work. I also wish to appreciate the support and encouragement from my friends and family during the tough times that I had to balance between the demands of a rigorous academic program and an equally demanding work environment.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Retail and Logistics Management Department, much appreciation goes to all my department lecturers (Mr. S Mlambo, Mr. O Manjengwa, Mrs.B Marufu and Mrs. C Mupfiga), for furthering me into becoming a more professional personal. 

A very special appreciation goes to my mother for her love, care and support. The journey would not have been possible without her. I love you mom and you will always remain the best mom ever. My gratitude to Almighty God who renewed my strength at every single stage of this study.

God bless you all.

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this research was to explore how effective project management affects power plant rehabilitation projects at ZPC Hwange Power Station. Specific objectives were to explore the organizational determinants project management, to assess the impact of procurement in project implementation, to evaluate the project management processes and to evaluate how cost valuation affects project implementation. The researcher reviewed literature on procurement its importance and its impacts in project implementation, project management processes used at the power station and in addition how cost valuation affect projects. Information was collected from both managers and general employees at ZPC Hwange Power Station. The researcher employed both non probability and probability sampling procedures to select all the 27 participants from four departments which included projects, maintenance, planning and management. The study found out that the power station carries out rehabilitation projects as the plant is aging to extend its life cycle and an example is the ash plant refurbishment project. Reasons for project management in rehabilitation projects include to extend the plant’s life ,reduce maintenance costs and procure spares and equipment on time .As a result of project management  managers are able to estimate cost for project especially rehabilitation projects, use the best alternative method or techniques concentrate on strategic planning of projects than the operational planning. Some of the negative effects of rehabilitating are that its ends up becoming expensive as maintenance costs will increase as the age of the plant has exceeded it life span and electricity production reduces since the unit undergoing a maintenance overhaul will be switched off. The study pointed out that, to ensure success of project management, transparency is vital, accountability is important, and there is also a need for effective communication. The researcher recommended that resources need to be planned for and availed before projects are undertaken to avoid discontinuation of projects after start off and that station ought to include stakeholders such as the government, employees and contractors in creating budgets plans and agree on sensible figures to empower proceeded and managed financing and availing of project resources. The researcher recommended further studies to be conducted on issue of project management. This was due to fact that this study focused on ZPC Hwange Power Station. A more encompassing study by a research institute would be desirable.