Effect of Project Planning Practices on Performance of Rural Electricity Distribution Project in Nyamagabe District, Rwanda

This paper investigates the effect of planning practices on the performance of rural electricity distribution projects in Nyamagabe District, Rwanda.Guided by the Project Scope Management Theory, the study adopted a descriptivecorrelational research design, employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore how clearly defined scope contributes to project performance.Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of 183 respondents from a target population of 338 staff members under the Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL), representing various departments involved in planning, implementation, and monitoring of electrification projects.Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using SPSS Version 21.Findings revealed a strong and statistically significant positive correlation between project scope and project performance (r = 0.718, p < 0.001).Regression analysis further confirmed project scope as a significant predictor of project performance, with an R value of 0.660 and a standardized beta coefficient of 0.342 (p = 0.011).Qualitative insights supported these results, highlighting the importance of scope clarity in setting expectations, managing timelines, and minimizing delays.However, the findings also suggest that scope alone does not guarantee effective stakeholder coordination, indicating a need for enhanced communication and collaboration mechanisms.The study concludes that well-defined and effectively managed project scope is essential for improving the performance of rural electrification projects.It recommends that project managers should continue to monitor and adapt the project scope throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that any changes are well documented, communicated, and integrated into the overall project plan.