Effects of monitoring & evaluation systems and the performance of slum upgrading projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Recent research reveals a surge in the number of slums in Sub-Saharan Africa with no sign of abating, evident from the continuous mass influx of youths from rural villages to cities. Thus, the upgrading of slums to improve the living conditions of those who live in such environments is imperative. However, the performance of past slum upgrading projects has quite been contentious with many failing to meet their pre-defined objectives. This study investigated the effects of integrated BIM and M&E on the performance of slum upgrading projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. The specific objectives are fourfold. Firstly, the study determined the effects of M&E systems on the performance of slum upgrading projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Secondly, it examined the effects of emerging BIM on the performance of slum upgrading projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Thirdly, the study investigated the effects of human resource capacity on the performance of slum upgrading projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lastly, it investigated the effects of integrated BIM and M&E in maximising the performance of slum upgrading projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. A quantitative research method was used to achieve the aim of this study. From a quantitative perspective, a questionnaire was used to gather data about the different factors. The target population for the structured questionnaire was 88 which comprised M&E and BIM experts. Using the target population, a sample size of 72 was computed using the Yamane formula. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential techniques. Three main findings emerged from this study. Firstly, 63.1 % and 68.1% were of the view (Agreed and Strongly Agreed) that M&E and BIM have effects on the performance of slum upgrading projects. Secondly, 65.9% of respondents opined (Agreed and Strongly Agreed) that a professional with both M&E and BIM skills have effects on the performance slum upgrading projects compared to 27.3% and 23.9% if the same professional is proficient in only one of the skills respectively. Lastly, it emerged that 68.6% is of the opinion (Agreed and Strongly Agreed) that integrating both M&E and BIM can significantly improve the performance of slum upgrading projects compared to each when applied in isolation. The findings were presented using tables with detailed analytical interpretations outlined. The fact that integrating both M&E and BIM skills can significantly improve the performance of slum upgrading projects compared to each when applied in isolation, a major recommendation is that future studies should focus on investigating and developing an integrated BIM and M&E framework for delivering and monitoring slum upgrading projects. The framework should aim at guiding professionals in using BIM and M&E in the delivering of slum upgrading. The framework is imperative given the emerging and complex nature of BIM and M&E.