Factors Influencing Successful Implementation Of Biomedical Research Projects: A Case Of Kenya Medical Research Institute

Abstract

The general objective of this research project was to examine factors influencing successful implementation of biomedical research projects in Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). These research sought to achieve five specific objectives with the key variables examined being the dependent variable successful implementation of biomedical projects in KEMRI and independent variables of top management support, organization structure, communication system, project team leader and procurement procedures. The research design employed in conducting this study is descriptive research design. Regression Analysis model is also used. The study used questionnaire to collect data, which incorporated qualitative and quantitative data. Participants in this study were KEMRI scientific staffs who have been involved in project implementation. The sample size used was 90 scientific staff. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0) was used to analyze data. Regression model showed a significance relationship between; top management support P value 0.006, organization structure P value 0.001, project leader performance P value 0.029, procurement procedure P value 0.006 and successful implementation of biomedical projects. Recommendation: The roles the top management‟s plays during project implementation should be standardized to all projects to make sure all project gets equal or relatively the same attention from the top management. The adoption of project friendly organization structure will keenly consider projects and success rate of project will be high and within the time limit given to each projects. It is important for the institute organization structure to have project related structure. The bureaucracy of communication which takes long and it‟s not effective should be done away with and embrace the faster and effective way of communication. The projects leaders should be offered indoor training to enhance their project management skills. The top management should have checks and control of procurements procedures to enhance its effectiveness. In conclusion the study found out that the project leaders are committed to successful implementation of the project. The top management should devise a way of assisting the project leaders in project implementation. The coordination of projects is easier if the organization structure fully supports projects. Communication is one of most challenging and difficult tasks in any project implementation. The communication between the project team and top management in KEMRI should be improved.