Research consultancy
3.0 Introduction
This section outlines the key processes the study follows to examine contractor selection criteria and project performance of construction works in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools in Mbarara district. It includes the study design, study area, population, sampling techniques, sample size, data collection methods, data quality assurance, data analysis and processing, ethical considerations, and anticipated limitations of the study.
3.1 Study Design
The study employed a cross-sectional research design, chosen for its quick, cost-effective nature and ability to provide a snapshot of a population at a given time. Cross-sectional studies offer valuable insights into the prevalence of characteristics, behaviors, or conditions within a population. According to Kesmodel (2018), this type of observational research analyzes data collected from a population, or a representative subset, at a specific point in time.
3.2 Study Population
Since the 2016/17 fiscal year, Mbarara district Local Government has implemented 43 construction projects in UPE schools (Mbarara District Statistical Abstract, 2022). The unit of analysis was the construction projects, and the unit of inquiry comprised the project managers of these projects within the district.
3.3 Sampling
A sample refers to a subset of a population, representing members selected from the overall group. Based on Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) sample size determination table, a sample size of 36 projects was selected from the total population of 43 projects.
3.4 Sampling Techniques
Brian Van (2010) defines sampling as the process of selecting elements from a population in a way that ensures representativeness. This study utilized simple random sampling to select construction projects under the UPE program in Mbarara district.
3.4.1 Simple Random Sampling Technique
The study employed a simple random sampling technique for selecting UPE construction projects. A list of projects was obtained from the District Procurement Department, and each project was assigned a number. The researcher randomly selected numbers until all projects were included in the sample, ensuring each project had an equal chance of participation to provide responses on project performance.
3.5 Data Collection Techniques
3.5.1 Questionnaire
A questionnaire, designed for both open and closed-ended questions, was the primary data collection instrument. Amin (2005) describes a questionnaire as a self-report tool used to gather information about variables of interest. The researcher developed a set of interrelated questions aligned with the study’s objectives.
3.6 Data Processing and Analysis
3.6.1 Quantitative Analysis
The collected data was organized, inspected, and edited to ensure accuracy and eliminate errors. Using SPSS version 21, data was reduced into frequencies and percentages for analysis. The data entry process involved checking responses for completeness, consistency, and accuracy, with incomplete entries removed. Negatively phrased scale items were reverse coded, and missing values were identified and eliminated. After data cleaning, descriptive and inferential statistics (correlations) were generated to explore relationships between independent and dependent variables. Correlation analysis tested the study’s hypotheses and identified whether relationships were positive or negative (Ragin, 2011).
3.7 Validity and Reliability
3.7.1 Validity
Validity refers to how accurately the study reflects participants’ realities and credibility (Schwandt, 1997). The researcher ensured validity by using a tape recorder to document participants’ responses, which were later transcribed and analyzed to capture perceptions, feelings, and opinions. Triangulation of interviews and observational data further enhanced the trustworthiness of the findings. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was used to assess the questionnaire’s ability to measure the intended variables, with a CVI score above 0.7 considered valid (Amin, 2005).
3.7.2 Reliability
Reliability refers to the consistency of the assessment tool in producing stable results (Colin, 2006). The researcher ensured reliability by regularly checking the tape recorder to maintain proper functioning during interviews. Using SPSS (version 7.0), Cronbach’s Alpha was calculated to assess the reliability of the instrument at a 95% confidence interval and a 5% significance level. A Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.5 or higher was considered acceptable (Amin, 2005).
3.8 Ethical Considerations
To ensure ethical compliance, the researcher obtained an introductory letter from Kyambogo University and permission from Mbarara Local Government to conduct data collection in the selected schools. Respondents were informed about the study’s purpose, benefits, and assured that their information would remain confidential and be used exclusively for research. Their identities were kept anonymous, and they were offered access to the final report. The researcher also adhered to COVID-19 protocols by ensuring social distancing, wearing masks, and using hand sanitizer during data collection.
