Effect of Program Planning Practices on Program Performance: A Case of Vision Umurenge Programme in Gasabo District, Rwanda

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of project planning practices on performance of Vision Umurenge Programmes (VUP) in Gasabo District, specially to assess the effect of project human resource planning on VUP performance, to examine the effect of risk planning on VUP performance and to examine the effect of time planning on VUP performance in Gasabo district. The theories that guided this study were the goal settings, resource-based view and the theory of constraints. The study adopted descriptive and correlational research design in addressing the statement of the problem. Questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect data from 97 respondents selected from a population of 26,593 using census and simple random sampling techniques. A census method and simple random sampling were used to get sample for the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics methods using statistical SPSS. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study results showed that that human resource planning rates had an overall mean of (4.01˂4.32˂5.00) which indicates a very high mean and standard deviation of (0.848˃0.5) which indicates a no-homogeneity in responses. The overall descriptive statistic mean of risk planning was (4.01˂4.29˂5.00) an indication very high mean and standard deviation of (0.823˃0.5) an indication of homogeneity in responses. The overall time planning mean was (4.01˂4.29˂5.00) an indication of very high mean and standard deviation of (0.848˃0.5) an indication of no-homogeneity in responses. The study further found that in the regression model the association between human resource planning and program performance was positive and significant effect (R=0.563, sig=0.000˂0.05). It was evident that there is a positive association and significant effect between risk planning and program performance (R=0.294, sig=0.005˂0.05), and there was a positive association and significant effect between time planning and program performance (R=0.601, sig=0.000˂0.05). The study concludes that program human resources planning, risk planning and time planning significantly contribute to predicting and positively influencing Vision Umurenge Programme in Gasabo district. The study suggests that local authorities should provide adequate training to human resources, address diverting cash for beneficiaries to unplanned activities, and assess their graduation. It also recommends that beneficiaries should understand the types of VUP components. Risk planning is crucial for program performance, and project scope should be used to estimate risk, with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) linked to the project plan. Accurate activity sequencing is essential for accurate and achievable schedules. Regular checks and controls are crucial for early identification of deviations, allowing the project team to take necessary actions.