Procurement Planning and Construction Project Performance: Evidence from Public Projects in Lebialem Division, Cameroon

Public procurement planning plays a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of public construction projects, yet many projects in Cameroon continue to experience delays, cost overruns, and poor-quality outcomes due to weaknesses in procurement processes. This study examined the influence of procurement planning on the performance of public construction projects in Lebialem Division, Cameroon. The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a cross-sectional survey design. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to key stakeholders involved in public construction projects, including project managers, procurement officers, contractors, and supervising engineers. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis to determine the relationship between procurement planning and project performance. The findings revealed that procurement planning has a positive and statistically significant influence on the performance of public construction projects. Specifically, comprehensive needs assessment, timely procurement scheduling, accurate budgeting, and effective stakeholder participation during the planning stage were found to improve project completion within the planned cost, time, and quality standards. The study concludes that effective procurement planning provides the foundation for efficient project implementation by enhancing resource allocation, reducing procurement delays, and improving accountability throughout the project lifecycle. The study recommends that public institutions strengthen procurement planning practices through improved capacity building, early stakeholder engagement, comprehensive procurement plans, and strict compliance with public procurement regulations. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on public procurement and project management by providing empirical evidence from the construction sector in Cameroon and offer practical insights for policymakers and project practitioners seeking to improve public infrastructure delivery.

Procurement planning, public procurement, construction project performance, project management, public infrastructure, Cameroon.

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