Towards improving project management practice: the case of land surveying projects in Tanzania

Land surveying organizations in Tanzania have been plagued by poor performances and have failed to satisfy customers by providing the quality services at the right price and at the right time. This research was aimed at examining the level of applicability of various project management practices in land surveying projects in Tanzania with the view to improving their performance. To achieve the research objectives, 60 questionnaires were distributed to professional land surveyors from 21 public and private organizations, whereby 51 questionnaires responded to. these from the basis for the outcome of this research. The research established that the level of applicability of project management practice is low, i.e 41%. The majority of surveyors which constitute 59% do not apply project management practice. The research further revealed that while 43% of the respondents agree on the potential benefits of the application of project management, more than 80% of the respondents admitted that project management is not given priority nor it is part of the surveying organizations culture. The research established that the level of applicability of project management is low due to inadequate knowledge and lack of skills in project management. The research recommended for the training of surveyors in project management practices, recruiting qualified personnel with skills in project management aspects, establishment of improved regulations and procedures and encourages surveying organizations in measuring project performance.