Effective Management of Planning and Procurement Operations in Road Construction and Maintenance

Abstract: This study examines the effective operations management in road construction and maintenance at the Department of Works, Papua New Guinea. The department is responsible for building and maintaining over 30,000 kilometers of roads, which is a critical infrastructure for the country's economic growth and development. Despite its importance, the department faces numerous challenges, including limited resources, remote locations, and harsh weather conditions. This study investigates the current operations management practices of the department and identifies areas for improvement. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data from surveys, interviews, and observational studies. The findings suggest that the department's current operations management practices are inadequate, leading to delays, cost overruns, and poor quality of work. The study proposes a new operations management framework that addresses these challenges and provides a roadmap for improving the department's performance in road construction and maintenance. Keywords: Connect PNG, Department of Works, Fund, Trend, Construction