EFFECTS OF PLANNING PRACTICE ON PROJECT PERFORMANCE: IN CASE OF ETHIOPIANS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISION (EHRC)

Abstract

Many projects worldwide fail to meet their objectives due to inadequate planning and challenges encountered during the planning phase. The main objective of this study was to explore the impact of planning practices on project performance specifically focusing on Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC). To this end, the study investigated how various planning practice influence project outcomes, using explanatory and descriptive research design with a quantitative approach in order to reach in to the targeted objective. Data was gathered through questionnaires distributed to a stratified random sample of EHRC staff, achieving 76.4% response rate and was analyzed using SPSS. In order to collect the necessary data, questionnaire was designed and distributed by taking the most important planning practices identified in literature as variables to affect project performance. This research emphasizes the critical role of effective planning in optimizing project performance within the Ethiopian human rights commission. The findings of this study demonstrate that strong communication plans, a well-defined project scope and comprehensive quality planning significantly contribute for the successful implementation of EHRC’s human right-related projects. Recommendations emphasize the need for the EHRC to prioritize on Establishing clear and consistent communication channels among all project stakeholders, conducting scope definition thorough needs assessments, defining clear and measurable project objectives aligned with EHRC's strategic goals and ensure a clear understanding of project scope and deliverables. Integrating quality considerations into all project phases.