The Impact of Stakeholder Participation on Sustainable Community Development

Introduction 

This project portfolio describes how the research on the impact of the stakeholder’s participation on sustainable technology development was undertaken. The project was targeted at showing how the stakeholders had a role in ensuring sustainability in the road construction sector. Specifically the project endeavored on identifying the relevant stakeholders in the road construction project. Additionally, it was meant to research on how the stakeholders contributed to the sustainability of the road construction. Lastly the project evaluated the factors that would contribute to the sustainability of road projects.

The project was planned to take nine weeks and had numerous tasks to be undertaken; the Gantt chart below show the initial plan on how the project was supposed to be undertaken and all the planned tasks. The outline further indicates the time that was allocated for each task and the duration they would run.

Task	Week
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Meeting the supervisor
Collection of data and information
Writing literature review
Data interpretation and analysis
Writing first draft of the dissertation
Writing final draft of the dissertation
Submission of the dissertation

Portfolio Outline 

The portfolio will share the experiences of undertaking this project. Additionally it will give an overview and evidence on how the resources were utilized towards achievement of this project. First the portfolio will describe how the research was undertaken how timelines and schedules were changed. The researcher realized it was to undertake some tasks simultaneous and this led to a slight shift from the original plan. The original plan though not followed strictly acted as a guide for the researcher to ensure there was no deviation from the initial plan.

This portfolio will outline and show evidence on how the project was accomplished. Moreover it will provide description as to why there was extensional and changes in the planned timeframes and time schedules. In addition, it will also describe how the relevant stakeholders were identified and the roles they played towards the achievement of project success. Other elements that will be discussed here include how the researcher managed to get over 90 percent of the survey feedback from the study respondents. The cost estimate of the budget will be described and the actual budget that was incurred. Lastly this paper will outline the necessary and appropriate factors that were identified to be affecting the sustainability in the road construction project.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT 

Project scope 

This is the plan that determines and documents all the list of project goals, deliverables features functions tasks and deadlines and ultimate costs (Pheng 2018). All the work that is necessary in achievement and accomplishment a project is outlined here. For the project of the impact of the stakeholder’s participation on sustainable technology development the main goal was to show the ethical considerations that should be prioritized in making road constriction have the capability of integrating sustainable technological development (Kerzner 2013). Some of the benefits identified by the project show that there would be better welfare for road construction workers. It would help in addressing issues related to safety and health protection for workers in this sector. In delivering this project extensive research was conducted. Some of the resources used include the internet. Peer reviewed journals were utilized in gathering information about road construction.

Stakeholder’s Identification 

The researcher, through research realized that stakeholders in a project play a very important role in the success of road constructions project. To identify the stakeholders in road construction projects the research had to get clear idea of who are stakeholders and then go ahead to define their roles in the project. It was also critical to think if those participating in road constructions had a role to play ensuring ethical practices are followed during road construction. Then it is essential to think the stakeholders needs and see how they can be satisfied without compromising on the project goals and objectives.

The project identified stakeholders as individuals and organizations that are actively involved in the project or whose interests may be affected as a result of project execution (Yang, Wang and Jin 2014). Ideally stakeholders have some influence of how the project will be accomplished. In road constructions, the research identified that the stakeholders might include owners and users of facilities, projects managers, facilities managers, designers, shareholders, legal authorities, employees, subcontractors, suppliers, process and services providers, competitors, banks, competitive companies, media, community representatives, neighbors, general public, government establishment, visitors, customers, regional development agencies, the natural environment, environment conservation agencies, road maintenance and development agencies, the press, pressure groups and civic institutions (Yang, Wang and Jin 2014).

The stakeholder in road construction has been classified in various categories based on their contributions or importance in ownership of the project to the roles they play in the project accomplishment. A simple classification used in this to show who the stakeholders are in construction project (Yang, Wang and Jin 2014).

The figures below represent the outline that was used identifying the stakeholders for this project.

Here are the identified stakeholders in a road construction project

form the figures it was evident that stakeholders can occurs sponsors, individuals, groups, organizations, people groups or institution who have a positive interest on the project. Moreover the people and groups who have negative perception and interests towards the project are also part of the stakeholders. People and organization or other formations that are affected by the execution or the completion of the project were identified as the stakeholders (Yang, Wang and Jin 2014).

The key stakeholders in the road construction project included the project owner. For major roads the government was the project owner and therefore the government departments served as the either project managers or supervisors. Internal organizations served as key stakeholders in these projects. The internal stakeholders were playing roles of direct participation in the project. The external stakeholders were the people or group and organizations that were affected by the project.

The other classifications place stakeholders in classes such as primary and secondary stakeholders. The primary stakeholders are the people or teams who have contractual or legal obligation to the project. The secondary stakeholders may not have formal contractual relationship to the project but they have a strong interest on the project progress.

Classification of the stakeholders was important in establishing who were attached or had interest in road construction project. Failure to recognize them at the start of a project could translate to death of the project at a later stage. Some stakeholders were easier to identify while others were hard to recognize. For instance identifying the owners, project manager and the negative interest groups was much easier. The newer stakeholders were hard to identify. Therefore it was important to use various means in reaching these stakeholders. Some of the means included guidelines in the organizations, professional services, and directives by higher authorities, booked interviews, public consultation, formal memos and questionnaires.

Evaluating stakeholder’s power and interest was the other means that was used in identifying the stakeholders. The projects power is a mechanism in which the stakeholders influence the direction and the decisions for a particular project (Schwalbe 2015). Stakeholders were considered as people who have the power to directly affect the organizations future; if there is no such power, there would be no stakeholders. In a road construction or any other project the interests of the stakeholders might come with variation and discrepancies but they must be considered. The interests in a project are considered to be a factor affecting the successful outcome of a project. In this regard grouping stakeholders in power interest matrix, project managers can produce a better picture of how communication and relationships between stakeholders has affected the project and its implementations (Yang, Wang and Jin 2014).

Moreover, identifying stakeholder’s roles in a given project is essential in understanding the impacts that stakeholders have in a given project. As rule it is necessary for a researcher to first identify the role of the stakeholder in order to realize their impact in the project.

Here is an evaluation step that was used to identify stakeholder’s roles.

Additional methods used for this purpose include a classification based on power, legitimacy and urgency. The stakeholder’s power to influence the firm, the legitimacy of the stakeholders relationships with the firm and the urgency of the stakeholders claim on the firm (World Health Organization, 2015, pg 1). However with this approach it was realized it was impossible to compare the level of stakeholders influence with each other though they fall under the same grouping. For this approach to be useful and applicable in identifying stakeholders power there was additional consideration of proximity, knowledge, vested interests and attitude. Proximity entailed the evaluation of the degree in which stakeholders are associated with projects (Schwalbe 2015). Knowledge is concerned with the stakeholder’s knowledge about the project. The vested interests are a subjective assessment of the level of vested interests that each stakeholder has towards the project. Attitude could be termed as the attitude and perception that stakeholders have towards the project.

For government organizations and agencies it was to apply these mechanisms which were available in internet searches. Some of the searches and considerations for these mechanisms included a power/interest grid of, grouping the stakeholders based in their level of authority and level of concern regarding this particular project. The power impact grid of government commerce UK, that groups the stakeholders based on their involvement or influence in the project. Other consideration for this evaluation was the influence grid, group the stakeholders based on their active involvement in the project and their ability to effect the changes to the projects planning or execution; the dimension of attitude to the projects as measured by the extent to which they will back support or block or resist the project as an important aspect of evaluation. Lastly the salience model, describing classes of stakeholders based on their power (ability to impose their will), urgency (need for immediate attention) and legitimacy (their involvement is appropriate).

The table below shows some stakeholder and their identified roles in a road project

Road authority	Some of their identified roles
National roads authority	They serve a public interest based on the organizations and government strategy. they handle right-of way issues they approve some changes, payments and any proposals form consultant ensure the project is completed successfully in terms of quality, time and cost
consultant	communicates identified variations with the roads authority, provides the consultancy advice for the project on designing, evaluating the cost and technical issues and advice administers contracts and supervises the work Develops the design of the project; produces drawings and specifications; ensures that a project is implemented within the cost and time and according to a quality and agreement as required. they report project progress for national authority timely they approve work proposals for contractor prepare payment certificates for executed work Communicate with local authorities and community delegates to resolve issue and create good work environment.
Main contractor	these are people who help in realization and actualization of the design of the project Carries out and compels the work designed by consultants to meet time, cost and quality objectives; supervises and manages operations on site. they may assist in design They coordinate and supervise all subcontract work material and supplies.
Subcontractor	Carries out and completes the work ordered by the main contractor.
Donor/sponsor/financier	they provide the necessary funding to a project They have a role to see that funds are nit misused ad that they are utilized for the given purpose. they track the use of funds in the project They approve the request for additional budget from the client.
Local authorities	they make work environment favorable by disguising with the community they resolve the right of way issues with other associated experts they discuss with community about the project and transfer community questions for client or consultant
Environmentalists	they ensure that the projects does not pollute environment recommend the best mechanisms to use in protecting the environment
NGO	These are non government organizations that help to create awareness on HIV/AIDS protection mechanisms for workers. They discuss with the environmentalists and consultants to protect community interests and environment
Media	they serve to transmit information about a project to the community
Power corporation, telecommunication organizations, and water supply and sewerage companies	They remove obstructions related to their organizations after compensation have been paid.
The house or representatives	They make sure that the project is going according to regulations, objectives and ensure it protects the interests of the community.
Agriculture ministry	Recommend on agricultural products and forest issues.
Finance ministry	Does payment on request of consultants and the roads authority Approves budget changes based on annual budget

Communication with the Stakeholders 

Following the identification of the stakeholders the researcher realized that getting an opportunity to have interviews with them was not a simple task. Some participants especially those in government and legal authority proved to be unreachable. The researcher had to do extended booking and appointments to secure a sitting with this personal. Consequently the timeline for the research was made to change slightly. For some they were out of the country and they had to wait for until they return. Some people like government officers, project managers, consultants and leaders of interest groups could not be replaced in the project. They have to be approached and interviewed on a one by one basis. Therefore despite being busy there was no other choice rather than wait until they were available for interview. These people are extremely busy because they handle numerous projects and they are always booked (Cantarelli et al. 2013). The researcher had to adjust schedule in order to allocate time to accommodate this busy. For some officers and consultants, the researcher was compelled to travel and cater for interview venues. This meant extra cost for the project.

Here is an outline of the actual versus the estimated budget.

Task	Estimated budget (in US dollars)	Actual budget (in US dollars)
Project preparation , planning and scheduling	250	265
Focus group discussion and initial consultation	70	70
Permits and certification from the relevant authorities	50	50
Internet research	45	50
Travelling costs	120	180
Printing and related costs	30	38
Project moderating	55	70
Incentives	100	100
Hiring of venue	200	250
Hire recording equipment	35	50
Payment for supporting crew	100	140
Cell phone use charges	80	95
Rechargeable lamp	15	15
Gift to chiefs and authority figures	75	75
Monthly mobile internet	40	50
Photocopies	50	55
Buying publications	70	90
Payment for journal subscriptions	69	78
Binding of thesis	35	42
Food and refreshments	100	122
Finalize concept model	34	40
Data analysis and interpretation	82	89
Questionnaires printing and administering	134	148
Follow up	102	110
Data testing	60	60
Making final presentations	50	55
Total Expenses	2051	2387

From the table above the actual budget shifted by about USD 336. The variation in the budget was because of extra cost used in interviewing, hiring equipment, paying support and hiring venues. Having cost overruns are a common headache for project managers and researchers (Sinesilassie, Tabish, and Jha, 2017). Typically these overruns occur when there are unplanned tasks that need to be handled in a project. There has been an observation that poor forecast and failure to effectively track costs can lead to overrun make a project to cost more than the estimated budget. Poor execution can also be a main factor leading to increased actual budget. For complex projects the initial budget plan only serves as a guide and used to eliminate forgetting important resources management. However they do not mean that some tasks should not be undertaken just because they are ageing to spend money. The main role of researcher and project managers is to monitor and moderate how projects runs and the recourse are utilized in the course of undertaking the research or project (Brüggen, and Luft 2015).

Inaccuracy and discrepancies in cost estimates can lead to cost overruns. Sometimes the subcontracts might cost more than they were previously anticipated. This is one of the reasons why actual budgets appear to be hiked. Incorrect estimates can also lead to having actual budgets that are out of proportion. Reviewing the budget and moderating the subcontracts ad looking for cheap supplies that fit with the budget is an effective way to avoid a big margin between the actual and estimated budget (Brüggen, and Luft 2015).

The other factors that is evident in making a difference in the budget in the design. Sometimes the initial design on paper may tend to be unrealistic and therefore unachievable. This makes the project or research to change its course during its delivery (Cantarelli et al. 2013). For instance if some features are unachievable they might be changed and replaced with new features. for instance in this research it was almost impossible to get the key stakeholders for the road constructions projects and therefore rather than waiting for them to avail themselves there was need to adjust the schedule and travel to the locations they would be interviewed in. failing to do so would have meant that the input by this people would not be considered (Cantarelli et al. 2013).

Additional reasons why cost overrun frequently occurs in projects include change in plan and scope. Failure t plan accurately might result in changes in the project duration; for instance if the plan allocates a short time for project and in reality they end up taking a prolonged time. This might translate to incurring extra costs. Proper monitoring of tasks ad projects might help in reducing risk of delay or deviating from the original plan. Utilizing free time is known to be a solution for time lost in some tasks, it can be used to compensate the lost time. Change in scope on the other hand is another cause of cost overruns. If there are new requirements that the project or facility owners introduce it might not be possible to escape the cost overruns (Guo et al. 2014). The project manager should be fast to let the owner know that the new requirement results in extra costs. The managers should classify them as improvements and find ways to make the owner fun them. The cost overruns might occur in both road construction projects and research projects. Therefore the factors that lead to overruns in research project will somehow cause a cost overrun in the road construction project.

Key Challenges 

One of the major challenges in this research was the issue of bureaucracy that hindered access to classified information on government projects. Bureaucracy in government projects leads to inefficiency and complexity in the accomplishment of projects. It has also been criticized in making information inaccessible especially for individual researchers who are not attached to major organizations (Schwalbe 2015). Through bureaucracy there are people who are non-politicians who are appointed to undertake administrative tasks in government agencies. These people participate in implement of policies, writing of rules and regulations and their administration to the people and community. Bureaucracy is hierarchical and might being from the frontline employees to the top level management.

Some of the disadvantages of bureaucracy lead to hampered achievement. Bureaucracy is simply a rule that is conducted from a desk or office by the preparation and dispatch of written documents and electronic ones. In such a structure there is a structure and process that has to be followed in communication and accessing information. Though the processes are in line with science of administration they can make access to information difficult. In overcoming these challenges the researcher had to comply with all the regulations including having proper permits and certificates of authorization. There was also need to show patience and perseverance as the permits had to go the through main scanning and consideration. It took almost 3 weeks to get interview appointment secured.

The other challenge was running out of resources and most specifically the money. The researcher realized that he was experiencing cost overruns within the first two weeks of the project. This happened when only 15 percent of the tasks had been undertaken. By the third week the researcher was aware he will need financial boost in order to accomplish the project. In this regard there was needed to look for finance sources to ensure that the project runs as planned. The cash was acquired from backs, student loans and well-wishers.

The last challenge that was identified is that some respondents were incorporative. Those dealing directly with the road construction were somehow ignorant of sharing information. They could not understand why the research was being undertaken. The researcher had to convince them that is done for future reference and making of better plans for road construction purposes.

Ethical Issues in Road Construction Projects 

Some of the evident ethical issues that were discovered in the road construction projects include cover pricing, bid cutting, poor documentation late and short payments, subcontractor’s lack of safety ethics, and unfair treatment of contractors in tender or final account negotiation and competitor’s overstatement of capacity. Additional ethical issues include competitor’s qualifications to secure contracts, competitor’s falsification of experience and qualifications and bureaucratic government policy (World Health Organization 2015).

The road construction sector is one of the worst sectors where ethical policies are least implemented. It is the most fraudulent industry worldwide. The unethical practices were taking place in almost every phase of the constructions starting form awarding of tenders and contracts to the higher stages project execution, and maintenance. For instance it was discovered that companies were using false information to make them look superior and more suitable for the construction works. Additionally it was discovered that people were giving bribes in order to be issued with contracts and tenders. There was massive corruption and conflict of interest and collusive tendering. It was discovered that corruption in this field could increase the cost of public contracting by over 25 percent (World Health Organization 2013).

The unethical practices were making the environment risky and there was impact in the construction and engineering companies. Some of the impacts included worthy companies being denied contracts, there was wasted tender expenses, tendering uncertainty, increased project costs, economic damage, blackmail, criminal prosecution, blacklisting and reputation risk. Other impacts were graft and evident malpractices. There was no consideration for proper working conditions for the workers. In some occasion the workers were not supplied with protective hear and this was risky to their health and lives.

Outcome 

In this research 45 respondents were interviewed and most of them were men. Only thirty percent of the participants were female. Therefore there was evident gender imbalance in this industry. The respondents were actively involved in the road construction and some were laborers in the construction projects. The age category of the respondents was people form 25 years to 48 years. Over 50 percent of the respondents were in professional experience and were in top level positions.

Majority of the respondents claimed that they had experienced or witnessed bribery and it was affecting the accomplishment of projects. The bribery came as inducements, gifts, favors, trips, and appointments.

More than 70 percent of the respondents claimed they had witnessed or experienced fraud. This came as theft of materials or illogical requests of time extension. Dishonesty and unfairness was also reported to be occurring in this sector.

Conclusion 

The research have identified that stakeholders were in a position to bring back sanity in the construction industry. They can do so by advocating for transparency in award of contracts, subcontracts and tenders. The companies that are found to have issued false information should be held for legal suits. The unethical practices are leading in overpricing and waste of public resources. In some occasions the contractors end up constructing substandard roads. They do it because they have the support of senior governing officers and authority leaders. Proper scrutiny of the people working in road construction can eliminate fraud cases and ensure there are ethical practices.

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