Asessing the implementation challenges in the schools under trees and emergency intervention program (SUTEMIP) under the Ministry of Education

This study is aimed at examining the challenges to implementing the schools under trees and emergency intervention programme (SUTEMIP) under the Ministry of Education, Ghana. In this regard, the researcher set three main objectives; to examine the status of implementation of SUTEMIP projects, to identify the challenges to implementation and to identify strategies to curtail the challenges to the implementation of SUTEMIP projects. The study adopted a quantitative strategy with a deductive approach, which implied a questionnaire survey and statistical analysis. The study commenced with a literature review on the three main themes of the study; status, challenges and strategies to curtail the challenges. The outcome, a comprehensive list catalogue together with the view of experts was used to finalize a questionnaire survey for data collection. The researcher then used the survey tool to collect data from experts involved in the implementation of SUTEMIP projects. To be specific, the study used a census survey approach. Thus, questionnaires were distributed to all forty-seven (47) members of the population. Forty-five (45) responsive questionnaires were returned after a month. Subsequent stages involved data analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences v24 and Microsoft Excel. The main analysis done here included frequencies, percentages, reliability testing, modes, means score and Anova. Frequencies and percentages were used to explore the occurrence of similar responses in various sections of the questionnaire. In addition to the above, mean score ranking was used to estimate and rank the various factors identified for status of implementation, challenges and strategies based on the average scores of the respondents for each and Anova for comparing means. From the analysis, SUTEMIP projects perform the most concerning intended users and minimal technical start-up problems because projects are readily accepted by intended users. This notwithstanding, performance in terms of process of implementation, schedule and financial performance were low. The ten topmost challenges to the implementation of SUTEMIP projects are corrupt practices, unrealistic bidding quotations and timelines, untimely release of funds, delays in payments, delays in the provision of the right logistics at the right time, lack of funding, inappropriate feasibility studies, management practices, bureaucracy, fluctuation in prices, poor planning, interference of clients and users, political interference and poor supervision. To overcome this challenges the study rated competent contractor selection (experience in similar works), provision and simplifying funding process, competent subcontracting, allocation of sufficient funds to project, consistent task review, adequate dialogue with interlinked agencies at the preparatory stages of the project, setting of clear purpose for project, proper relationship between consultants and contractors, assimilation of input of target users into project plan and anticipation of short-term disruptions as the most suitable strategies. The results of the Anova indicated higher level of agreement between and within group of participants. Nonetheless, the study encountered some limitations such as the narrow scope of data collection and methods. Nonetheless these provide opportunities for future studies.

Source: KNUST