Assessment of the Implementation of Force Account in Executing Construction Projects

Abstract

This study assessed the implementation of force account in executing construction projects using Workers Compensation Fund as the case study. Specifically, the study examined the extent of compliance to force account guidelines, examined the extent to which value for money was achieved while implementing force account in construction projects and identified the challenges encountered in the course of implementing force account projects at Workers Compensation Fund. The study was grounded on the regulatory compliance theory. Qualitative approach and descriptive design used to execute the study. Questionnaires and interview schedule were applied to gather data about the extent of compliance to force account guidelines, value for money and challenges encountered in implementing force account projects. The targeted population of the study was all staff at WCF across the whole country from whom a sample of 84 respondents was obtained purposively and engaged in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. The findings show that WCF complied with the force account guidelines provided by PPRA. The majority of the correspondents were aware of the Public Procurement Act No. 7 of 2011 and were aware of the delineation of force account in the same. Value for money was observed in implementation of force account at WCF. The challenges in the course of implementation of force account were lack of proper supervision of materials and equipment and shortage of human resources and administrative challenges. Based on these findings, the study recommends WCF to employ more procurement specialists to increase the workforce. WCF has to consider building the capacity of her employees to utilize and manage force account projects effectively and efficiently to increase the performance. Therefore, there is a need for WCF to set funds for capacity building among its staff. Such forms of in-service training will enhance staff career development.