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THE IMPLICATION AND BENEFIT OF THE USE OF SOFTWARES IN

BUILDING PROJECT CONSTRUCTION A CASE STUDY OF MICROSOFT
PROJECT SOFTWARE,NAIROBI COUNTY

EABI/01007/2019
RONNY OTIENO OLUOCH

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR

THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AWARD OF THE BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY IN

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION OF THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA

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 DECLARATION

This research project report is my original work and has not been presented for an award in

any other university or institution of higher learning for the award of any certificate, diploma or

degree.

Signature:__________________________________ Date: _____________________________

RONNY OTIENO OLUOCH

EABI/01007/2019

APPPROVAL

The undersigned certify that they have read and hereby recommended for approval of The
Technical University of Kenya, a research report entitled “The Implication and benefit of the use
of software in building project construction, a case study of Microsoft Project.”
Signature: ____________________________ Date: _____________________________

Dr. Omukaga. O. Panyako

Department of Building Construction Technology

Technical University of Kenya

Signature: ____________________________ Date: _____________________________

MR. JOHN NGUGI

Department of Building Construction Technology

Technical University of Kenya

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 DEDICATION

This project is strictly dedicated to my family, classmates, lecturers and friends for their
continued support.
.

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 ABSTRACT

Software is a collection of computer instructions that tell a processor what to do. MS

Project is a software product from Microsoft that helps project managers plan, track,
and control building projects. It is not widely used in Kenya, but those who use it find
it useful for creating WBS, assigning resources and costs, monitoring progress,
reporting results, and sharing information. It also lets users see different views of the
project (such as Gantt chart, Bar chart, PERT and network diagram) and make changes
as needed. Many managers or users do not know the benefits of MS Project or how to
use it. This makes it hard for them to catch up with the global technological standards.

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 LIST OF TABLES

Contents
DECLARATION..............................................................................................................................i
APPPROVAL...................................................................................................................................i
DEDICATION.................................................................................................................................ii
ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................................iii
LIST OF TABLES..........................................................................................................................iv
LIST OF FIGURES........................................................................................................................vi
LIST OF APPENDICES................................................................................................................vii
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS.....................................................................................viii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................1
1.1 Preamble................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Background of the study........................................................................................................1
1.3 Problem Statement.................................................................................................................1
1.4 Research objectives...............................................................................................................1
1.5 Research Questions................................................................................................................2
1.6 Significance of the study.......................................................................................................2
1.7 Assumptions of the study.......................................................................................................3
1.8 Assumptions of the study.......................................................................................................4
1.9 Limitations of the study.........................................................................................................5
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW..................................................................................7
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................7
2.2 Benefits of using MS Project.................................................................................................7
2.3 The extent for the use of MS Project.....................................................................................8
2.3.1 Overview of MS Project.................................................................................................8
2.3.2 Versions of MS Project...................................................................................................9
2.4 The strategies for the improvement of use of MS Project...................................................11
2.4.1 The best way to improve use of MS Project................................................................11
2.4.2 Ways MS Project help to improve performance...........................................................12
CHAPTER THREE:RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.................................................................14
3.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................14
3.2 Study site.............................................................................................................................14

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3.2 Research design...................................................................................................................14
3.4 Study population..................................................................................................................14
3.5.1 Sample Size..................................................................................................................15
3.5.2 Sampling procedures....................................................................................................16
3.6 Data collection.....................................................................................................................16
3.6.1 Secondary data..............................................................................................................16
3.6.2 Primary data..................................................................................................................16
3.7 Data analysis........................................................................................................................18
3.8 Assumptions.........................................................................................................................18
3.9 Limitations and scope..........................................................................................................18
3.10 Ethical considerations........................................................................................................19

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Table Title Page

6.1 Categories of study population 13

6.2 Sample size 14

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LIST OF APPENDICES

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 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

BPC: Building Project Construction

SPC: Software in Project Construction
IMS: Integrated Management Systems
MS: Microsoft
MPS: Microsoft Project Software
SPM: Software Project Management
BIM: Building Information Modeling
CPM: Critical Path Method
PERT: Program Evaluation and Review Technique
Gantt: Gantt Chart
CAD: Computer-Aided Design

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 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Preamble
This chapter covers, background to the study, statement of the problem, the research objectives,
research questions, significance of the study and assumptions.

1.2 Background of the study

Microsoft Project is a software tool that helps project managers plan, manage, and report on their
projects. It allows for the assignment of tasks to people and resources, tracking project progress
and budget, and displaying work schedules and changes. Microsoft Project gained popularity
among project managers who utilized computers and became one of the first software products
developed by Microsoft for Windows.

1.3 Problem Statement

In the era of globalization and information technology advancements, the use of ICT
related management tools, such as Microsoft Project software, is crucial.
However, many building construction projects in Kenya have not been utilizing
Microsoft Project for effective project delivery due to a lack of awareness. While some
project managers may be aware of its existence, they lack the knowledge of how to use
it in building project construction. The problem addressed in this research work is the
implementation and benefits of utilizing Microsoft Project in building project
construction in Kenya.

1.4 Research objectives

The main aim of this study is to know the implication and benefits of the use of software (Ms
project) in building project construction as a management/scheduling tool. This shall be guided
by the following specific objectives;

 To determine the benefits Ms projected have played in the management of building

project construction To determine the importance of building project constructed with
the aid of Ms Project for its programming with others constructed with other
management application tool.

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  To determine the extent of the use of software’s (Ms project) in building project
construction
 To determine the strategies that would be applied for the improvement of the use of Ms
project.

1.5 Research Questions

 What are the benefits of the use of Ms Project?

 What are the importance in the use of Ms Project software?
 To what extent is the use of Ms Project?
 What are the strategies for the improvement of the use of Ms Project?

1.6 Significance of the study

The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the field of building project construction
management. By investigating the implication and benefits of using software, specifically
Microsoft Project (Ms Project), as a management and scheduling tool, valuable insights can be
gained. Firstly, understanding the benefits of using Ms Project in the management of building
project construction can enhance project efficiency and productivity. This software allows for
effective planning, scheduling, and resource allocation, enabling project managers to optimize
their workflows and ensure timely completion of construction projects. By identifying and
analyzing these benefits, project stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding the
adoption and implementation of Ms Project in their construction projects.

Secondly, comparing the importance of building projects constructed with the aid of Ms Project
to those constructed with other management application tools helps in evaluating the
effectiveness of different software solutions. This analysis can provide a better understanding of
the unique features and capabilities of Ms Project, highlighting its advantages over other tools
and its suitability for building project management. By examining the specific aspects in which
Ms Project excels, project managers and stakeholders can make informed decisions about
selecting the most appropriate software for their construction projects, considering factors such
as cost, functionality, and ease of use.

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Furthermore, assessing the extent of the use of software, such as Ms Project, in building project
construction provides valuable insights into industry trends and practices. It helps to determine
the level of adoption and acceptance of such tools by construction professionals and
organizations. This understanding can guide policymakers, educators, and industry experts in
developing strategies to promote the widespread use of software solutions like Ms Project,
fostering a more technologically advanced and efficient construction industry.

Lastly, exploring strategies for the improvement of the use of Ms Project can contribute to
enhancing its effectiveness and addressing any limitations or challenges faced by users. By
identifying areas where users may encounter difficulties or areas for improvement, this study can
provide recommendations and suggestions to optimize the use of Ms Project in building project
construction. These strategies can range from training programs and educational initiatives to the
development of additional features or functionalities within the software itself, ultimately leading
to enhanced project management practices and better outcomes in the construction industry.

1.7 Assumptions of the study

Some of the assumptions in this study include;

Improved Project Planning and Scheduling: The hypothesis assumes that the use of Microsoft
Project software in building project construction in Upperhill enables improved project planning
and scheduling. The software provides tools for creating and managing project schedules,
allocating resources, and setting dependencies. It is expected that utilizing this software will
result in better project planning and scheduling, leading to improved project management
efficiency.

Enhanced Resource Allocation and Management: The hypothesis assumes that the use of
Microsoft Project software allows for more effective resource allocation and management. The
software provides features for tracking resource availability, assigning tasks to team members,
and monitoring resource utilization. It is expected that by utilizing these capabilities, project
managers can optimize resource allocation and improve overall project performance.

Real-time Progress Monitoring and Reporting: The hypothesis assumes that the use of Microsoft
Project software enables real-time progress monitoring and reporting. The software allows for

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tracking project milestones, updating task progress, and generating reports on project status. It is
expected that by utilizing these features, project managers can have better visibility into the
project's progress and make informed decisions to address any delays or issues promptly.

Improved Cost Control: The hypothesis assumes that the use of Microsoft Project software
facilitates improved cost control in building project construction in Upperhill. The software
allows for budget estimation, cost tracking, and financial analysis. It is expected that by utilizing
these capabilities, project managers can effectively monitor project costs, identify potential cost
overruns, and implement appropriate measures to control expenses.

Overall Project Success: The hypothesis assumes that the aforementioned implications and
benefits of using Microsoft Project software ultimately contribute to the overall success of
building project construction in Upperhill. It is expected that improved project management
efficiency, cost control, and real-time monitoring lead to successful project completion within the
defined scope, budget, and schedule.

Overall Project Success: The hypothesis assumes that the aforementioned implications and
benefits of using Microsoft Project software ultimately contribute to the overall success of
building project construction in Upperhill. It is expected that improved project management
efficiency, cost control, and real-time monitoring lead to successful project completion within the
defined scope, budget, and schedule.

1.8 Assumptions of the study

Some of the assumptions in this study include;

Improved Project Planning and Scheduling: The hypothesis assumes that the use of Microsoft
Project software in building project construction in Upperhill enables improved project planning
and scheduling. The software provides tools for creating and managing project schedules,
allocating resources, and setting dependencies. It is expected that utilizing this software will
result in better project planning and scheduling, leading to improved project management
efficiency.

Enhanced Resource Allocation and Management: The hypothesis assumes that the use of
Microsoft Project software allows for more effective resource allocation and management. The

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software provides features for tracking resource availability, assigning tasks to team members,
and monitoring resource utilization. It is expected that by utilizing these capabilities, project
managers can optimize resource allocation and improve overall project performance.

Real-time Progress Monitoring and Reporting: The hypothesis assumes that the use of Microsoft
Project software enables real-time progress monitoring and reporting. The software allows for
tracking project milestones, updating task progress, and generating reports on project status. It is
expected that by utilizing these features, project managers can have better visibility into the
project's progress and make informed decisions to address any delays or issues promptly.

Improved Cost Control: The hypothesis assumes that the use of Microsoft Project software
facilitates improved cost control in building project construction in Upperhill. The software
allows for budget estimation, cost tracking, and financial analysis. It is expected that by utilizing
these capabilities, project managers can effectively monitor project costs, identify potential cost
overruns, and implement appropriate measures to control expenses.

Overall Project Success: The hypothesis assumes that the aforementioned implications and
benefits of using Microsoft Project software ultimately contribute to the overall success of
building project construction in Upperhill. It is expected that improved project management
efficiency, cost control, and real-time monitoring lead to successful project completion within the
defined scope, budget, and schedule.

1.9 Limitations of the study

Generalizability: The findings and conclusions of this study may be specific to the context of the
building project construction in Upperhill and the use of Microsoft Project software. The results
may not be directly applicable to other construction projects or different project management
software.

Sample Size and Selection: The study may be limited by the size and selection of the sample
involved in the building project construction in Upperhill. The findings may only represent the
perspectives and experiences of a limited number of participants, which may impact the
generalizability of the results.

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Data Availability: The study's findings and analysis are dependent on the availability and
accuracy of data related to the use of Microsoft Project software in the Upperhill construction
project. Limitations in data collection or incomplete data may affect the comprehensiveness and
validity of the study's findings.

Time Constraints: The study's scope and duration may be limited by time constraints. There may
be limitations on the extent of data collection, the duration of the project, or the time available
for analysis. These time constraints may influence the depth and breadth of the study's
investigation.

Subjective Perception: The study relies on subjective perceptions and interpretations of the
participants involved in the building project construction in Upperhill. The accuracy and
reliability of the data collected may be influenced by biases, personal opinions, or variations in
individual perspectives, which could introduce limitations in the study's findings.

External Factors: The study's outcomes may be influenced by external factors beyond the control
of the research, such as economic conditions, government regulations, or unforeseen events.
These external factors could introduce confounding variables that limit the study's ability to
isolate the effects of using Microsoft Project software on project management efficiency, cost
control, and overall project success.

Technology Limitations: The study may encounter limitations related to the technology itself,
such as software bugs, compatibility issues, or limitations in the functionality of Microsoft
Project software. These technological limitations could impact the software's effectiveness or
introduce challenges in its usage, affecting the study's outcomes.

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 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

Microsoft project is a project management software program developed and sold by Microsoft,
which is designed to assist a project manager in developing plan and schedules, resources to
tasks, tracking progress, managing the budget and analyzing workloads.
In this chapter the researcher reviews the relevant literature to this present study (ms project). the
review is handled in the following sub headings.
 The benefits of using Microsoft project
 The importance of using Microsoft project
 The extent for the use of Microsoft project
 The strategies for the improvement of the use of Microsoft project
2.2 Benefits of using MS Project

This application offers a wide range of tools to manage projects, it can be seen as the
advantages for its use:
 The ms project is flexible and has efficient tool that can be used by government
institution, constructions and business firms to manage their projects.
 It helps the project managers to estimating budgets such that the right amount of money
to fund the project development is set aside for consistency.
 The program helps in monitoring progress developers, can be used to determine and
correct errors, identified during installation and upgrading of any business or construction
project.
 Ms Project enables management of resources so as to accomplish particular work and at
the stipulated period of time.
 Ms Project also the enables back up of files and document and it is cheaper to implement.
2.2 The importance of the use of MS Project

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 As an expert in the use of ms project programmed is of great importance to
project managers in the following:
 To prove that they are overloaded with work . If you, the project manager can use
his forecast schedule to prove this to decision makers. Once your business-unit
leaders (building construction Projects) acknowledge there’s a workload problem
the project manager can use ms project 2010 as a tool to make his workload
reasonable again
 To prove that the project is understaffed, it is easy to prove to decision makers
that something need to happen –get more staff and resources, more time or
deliver less quality.
 To prove that the project is underfunded, when the project manager build his
forecast schedule from the ground to up one gets the manpower and cost
estimates for each task from this team. If the forecast shows that the budget have
been exceeded right off the but, you will known you need more resources.
 Enable a better project forecast and prevent least minute surprises, when forecast
model don’t meet required deadlines, the project manager will take correction
acting to resolve critical project tasks from a time required expenses and staffing
perspective.
 Time saving as a project manager, Microsoft project is more efficient then excel
for keeping the schedule up to date.
In excel one have to constantly and manually adjust dates to reflect the latest status of the
projects. The project manager would have to change even more dates when he need to accuratent
forecast the project. Infact, in a three month project the manager could save as much as 56 hours
of scheduling effort of the schedule the project in Microsoft project software, but in other
scheduling tool for instance keeping the forces up to date in excel. He needs to revise the start
and furnish of 50 tasks, on average, for each revise of the schedule. This will take him to hours
of effort during which he could make errors. As a result people (manager) who schedule in excel
typically let their schedule ship out of date, and then they lost their reporting tool as well as their
forecast model.

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  Help in becoming a more effective project manager of the project manager have
accurately established all relationship between tasks, he will tired many parallel paths of
relationship in the schedule.
2.3 The extent for the use of MS Project

2.3.1 Overview of MS Project

Microsoft originally purchased the software from another company and released its
own version in 1985, the most recent version of the software is Microsoft project
2013.
Microsoft project allows the project manager to enter the tasks of a project) also
known as the “work breakdown structure” or WBS) and assign workers (known as
“researchers”) to those task, as well as cost information.
Microsoft project also provides functionality that allows the user to create reports that
communicate the status and progress of a project.
2.3.2 Versions of MS Project

Microsoft project has several different editions or versions based on the need of the users and
organization. Below is a brief overview of the different editions.
Project is available in two editions standard and professional both editions are available other as
32 or 64 but options. The professional edition includes all the feature of the standard version,
plus more features of team collaboration tools and ability to connect to Microsoft project server.
- PROJECT 2010
Microsoft project 2010 include the fluent user interface known as the Ribbon.
- INTEROPARABILITY
Microsoft projects capabilities were extended with the introduction of Microsoft office project
server and Microsoft project web access. Project server stores project data in a central SQL-
based database, allowing multiple, independent projects to access a shared resource pool. Web
access allows authorized user to access a project server database across the internet, and includes
timesheets, graphical analysis of resource workloads and administrative tools.
- USER CONTROLLED SCHEDULING

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User-controlled scheduling offers flexible choices for developing and managing projects.
The timeline view allows the user to build a basic vision-style graphical overview of the project
schedule. The view can be copied and pasted into PowerPoint, word or any other application.
- SHAREPOINT 2010 LIST SYNCHRONIZATION

Share point foundation and project professional project task status updates may be synchronized
for team members.
- INACTIVE TASKS
Help experiment with project plans and perform what of analysis.
- THE TEAM PLANNER VIEW
The new team planner shows resources and work over time and helps spot problems and resolve
issues
- PROJECT 2013
What’s new in project 2013 includes new reports section better integration with other Microsoft
products and appearance of user interface items.
- REPORTS
An active reports section is added to the ribbon for pre-installed reports. Project 2013 includes
graphical reports so that one can create graphical reports and add clipart without having to report
data to another program, for example, the burn down reports show planned work, completed
work and remaining work as lines on a graph.
- TRACE TASK PATHS
This feature allows one to highlight the link chain (or ‘task path’) for any task, when one click on
a specific task all of its predecessor task show up in one color and all of its successors show up
in another color.
- SHARING:
Project 2013 improves the sharing and communication in multiple ways without leaving project
with installed, just over a name and start a mission, a video chart an email a phone call. One can
copy and paste content to any of the Microsoft office suite one can send content to SharePoint or
a sky drive to share without going through project and with project online can access a full
version of project from almost anywhere.
- INCREASED DATE RANGE:
Set project dates up to 12/31/2149 a century longer than project 2010’s limits.

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- PROJECT 2016
Project 2016 (preview release) includes new reports section, backwards compatible with project
server 2013 better integration with other Microsoft products and appearance of user interface
items.
- TIMELINE
Allows users to customize viars to have multiple timeline bars and custom date ranges in a single
view
2.4 The strategies for the improvement of use of MS Project

2.4.1 The best way to improve use of MS Project

Project management software can dramatically improve the productivity of any project large and
lengthy or small and brief. There are varieties of project management software option available
for use, all of which offers the following features: scheduling cost control and budget
management, resource assignment, quality management, tracking progress and others.
SCHEDULING: Scheduling is one of the most critical tools required to manage a project to its
conclusion. By making use of this feature in ms project one can schedule a project from the
information you input about the overall project. The individual task required to see the project
through to completion and the resources (people, equipment, materials) necessary to complete
those tasks. If there are changes that occur to the task or resources offer the schedule has been
created, one can update these and ms project will update the schedule.
Cost control and budget management: initial budget estimates can be entered based on the types
of resources and equipment required for the particular project at hand. In order to accurately
track the budget and manage costs, the schedule must be established and resources assigned.
Ms Project allows for budget to be created at the task level for such factors as equipment, travel
and labor and provides support for the reporting of cost variance and tracking of actual costs
against estimates.
RESOURCES ASSIGNMENTS: By assigning resources one creates the association between
specific task and the resources include the work resources (one or more) required to complete
them. These resources include the work resources (people and equipment required to conclude a

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task) and material resources (material or supplier). The assigning of resources is made easy with
Ms project, one select the resources required and then enter the assignment units.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT: quality management is the set of activities planned at the
beginning of the project that help achieve quality in the project in the project being executed, and
which are defined in the basis of the quality standards set by the project manager and the
company delivering the project.
TRACKING PROGRESS AND CRITICAL POINTS: for the project to finish on schedule, the
critical path (a series of task or even a single task) must be completed on schedule. The critical
path completion will dictate the project finish date. Ms project defines the critical path by
determine if critical tasks have “slack” or not start date and scheduled duration. By knowing and
tracking the critical path of the project as well as resources assignment to critical tasks. The
finish date of the project can be determined. Keeping track of the completion and status of
critical tasks is essential to keeping the project on course to be completed on time.
As reviewed above, it is important to remember that ms project is not a sample spreadsheet
application, such as ms excel. It is therefore often best to enroll in a project training course
before starting to use it.
2.4.2 Ways MS Project help to improve performance

- BREAKING DOWN THE WORK: Project provides the ability to easily capture and organize
the WBS (work breakdown structure). The use of indentation makes it easy to decompose the
work from the highest level (project phase) to the lowest levels (task) of the project. In addition,
the ability to collapse specific sections of the work breakdown. The tasks can be easily
imported /exported from ms project to tools like Visio to support the desired to review a
graphical depiction of the WBS.
- SEQUENCING ACTIVITIES: Dependency relationships are utilizes to link two task in the
most logical manner possible. The default in ms project is finish to start ( FS), but this may not
be the relationship that most accurately defines the linkages between two tasks, this relationship
may be represent a “hard” dependency (this must happen in a certain manner) or a “ soft”
dependency (a relationship set up to establish a logical flow of the project activities). In addition
to establishing the relationship, predecessors and schedule activities.ms project provides a lot of

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flexibility to ensure the project provides a lot of flexibility to sequence the work in a manner that
reflects the way the work will be executed.
- CREATING THE TIME: After the project activities, duration and dependences are loaded. The
schedule in starting to take on some shape and form, the Gantt view is one of the most effective
tools for communicating. The timeline associated with key summary tasks and milestone. Use
the ms project filters to limit the tasks to those that convey the appropriate message.
- MANAGING RESOURCE LOADING/UTILIZATION: The mechanics of loading resources
into the project provides the ability to either load effort based upon estimated hours to complete
or percent the resources utilization view display the effort planned for each team member and the
ability to make the appropriate adjustments to “level” the resource utilization.
- PROGRESSING THE PROJECT: Maintaining the project schedule through project execution
is referred to in project manager speak as “progressing the schedule” In Ms project the project
manager has the ability to update the % complete, estimated to complete, and the actual effort
worked. In addition, the project manager will make updates to duration & work estimates,
dependences, and tasks to ensure the schedule continues to reflect the way planned work will be
completed.
- UNDERSTANDING PROJECT IMPACTS: Upon completion of the planned process, a
baseline “snapshot” of the project schedule is saved in Ms Project. This baseline provides the
ability to measure current schedule performance against the original plan to understand and
communicate actual and planned impacts to the project schedule as variances that are captured
for the start and finish dates of individual activities, summary tasks (i.e project phases), and
project milestones.

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 CHAPTER THREE:RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter covers study site, research design, study population, sampling strategy,
data collection methods, data analysis and validity, assumptions, limitation and scope
and ethical consideration .

3.2 Study site

The study site for this research is Upperhill, located in Nairobi County, Kenya. The geographical
coordinates of the study site are approximately 1.3012° S latitude and 36.8141° E longitude.
Upperhill is a commercial district in Nairobi, known for its significant presence of office
buildings and construction projects. It is an ideal location to investigate the implications and
benefits of using Microsoft Project software in building project construction due to its active
construction industry and the widespread adoption of project management practices.

3.2 Research design

The research design plays a crucial role in any research project, providing a structured
framework that unifies all its components. It serves as a systematic plan that guides the entire
research process, from proposal formulation to data analysis. For this study on the implications
and benefits of using Microsoft Project software in building project construction in Upperhill,
Nairobi County, a descriptive research design will be employed to facilitate a thorough and
comprehensive exploration of the phenomena under investigation. This design allows for the
collection of a significant amount of data, enabling a holistic examination of the subject matter.
By adopting a descriptive design, the researcher can achieve a comprehensive understanding of
the research topic through the collection and analysis of extensive data.

3.4 Study population

The study population for this research proposal consists of professionals involved in the
construction industry who have experience using Microsoft Project software. The population

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includes contractors, site engineers, foremen, site managers, and casual workers. The table below
provides the distribution of individuals based on gender within each category:

Category Gender Gender Total

male female
Contractors 50 30 80
Site engineers 110 70 180
Foremen 200 90 290
Site managers 160 40 200
Casual workers 250 120 370
Total 680 300 980
Table 1.1 The categories of study population

This population breakdown represents the individuals who will be considered in the study to
explore the implications and benefits of using Microsoft Project software in building project
construction within the Upperhill area of Nairobi County.

3.5.1 Sample Size

Sampling is the method employed to select a representative subset of the population in order to
determine the parameters or characteristics of the entire population (Orodho, 2004).The sample
size will be determined using the formula referring to (Slovin, 1950).

n=N/ (1+Ne2) where;

n- Sample size

N-population size.

e- Margin of error to be decided by the researcher.

Category Total Sample size

Contractors 100 5

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 Site engineers 150 10
Foremen 150 20
Site managers 200 20
Casual workers 400 50
Total 100 105
Table 1.2 sample size

3.5.2 Sampling procedures

For this research proposal, the researcher will employ a simple random sampling technique
(SRS) to select the sample for data collection. SRS is a probability-based sampling method
where each unit in the population has an equal chance of being selected (Mugenda, 2003). The
population to be sampled will include construction causal workers, site managers, site engineers,
foremen, contractors, and quantity surveyors. The researcher will use this method to ensure that
all potential respondents above 18 years of age in the study area have an equal opportunity to be
included in the sample.

3.6 Data collection

Data collection will involve the systematic gathering and measurement of information related to
specific variables of interest. In this study, a combination of primary and secondary data
collection methods will be employed.

3.6.1 Secondary data

Secondary data will be obtained from published and unpublished literature, such as journals and
online portals, focusing on the implications and benefits of using software in building project
construction, particularly Microsoft Project software.

3.6.2 Primary data

Primary data will be collected through in-depth interviews, administering questionnaires

designed for different respondents, conducting Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and making

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observations. The questionnaires will include a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions.
Closed-ended questions will allow respondents to choose from predefined answer options, while
open-ended questions will provide an opportunity for respondents to express their thoughts and
opinions on the subject matter.

of Microsoft project. Section III has give items which are based on the extent to the use of
Microsoft project. Section IV with five items calls for the strategies for the improvement of the
use of Microsoft project.
3.6.2.1 Observation

Observation will be employed as a valuable technique to gather insights into the activities related
to construction projects utilizing Microsoft Project software in Upperhill, Nairobi County. A
targeted population of individuals will be selected for observation, including 50 construction
casual workers, 20 site managers, 20 foremen, 10 site engineers, and 5 contractors who visit the
site. Both formal and informal observation techniques will be utilized to document and code
various behaviors, actions, words, visuals, and other relevant data observed. These observations
will be recorded through concise note-taking.

3.6.2.2 Questionnaire

To gather information about the benefits and importance of using Microsoft Project software in
building project construction, a questionnaire survey will be conducted. The study area will
include multiple construction sites within Upperhill, Nairobi County. A sample of participants
will be randomly selected, aiming to distribute a total of 100 closed-ended questionnaires. The
target distribution will include 50 construction casual workers, 20 site managers, 20 foremen, 10
site engineers, and 5 contractors. The collected responses will be analyzed to examine the
perceptions and experiences of the participants regarding the use of Microsoft Project software.

3.6.2.3 In-depth interviews

In-depth interviews will be conducted to gain deeper insights into the implications and strategies
for improving the use of Microsoft Project software in building project construction. The
interviews will be conducted with selected professionals involved in the construction industry,

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including project managers, construction engineers, architects, and other relevant stakeholders.
The interviews will provide an opportunity for participants to share their perspectives,
experiences, and suggestions regarding the use of Microsoft Project software. The data collected
through these interviews will be analyzed to extract meaningful findings and recommendations.

3.6.2.4 Focus group discussion

Focus group discussions will be organized to facilitate group interactions and gather collective
opinions on the implications and benefits of using Microsoft Project software in building project
construction. The respondents will be divided into groups, with each group consisting of 50
construction casual workers, 20 site managers, 20 foremen, 10 site engineers, and 5 contractors.
A structured questionnaire will guide the discussions, led by a group leader. The data from each
group will be analyzed collectively to generate a comprehensive report on the subject of study,
highlighting key themes, perspectives, and suggestions provided by the participants.

3.7 Data analysis

Data analysis for this research proposal will involve the preparation of collected data, coding,
editing, and interpretation. The data will be processed using the statistical package for social
sciences (SPSS) due to its systematic approach and comprehensive range of statistical and
graphical analysis capabilities. Descriptive statistical measures such as frequencies, mean,
median, percentages, variances, and standard deviations will be utilized. The findings will be
presented using tables, pie charts, bar graphs, and figures to facilitate easy understanding of the
collected data.

3.8 Assumptions

It is assumed that the information provided by the respondents regarding the use of Microsoft
Project software in building project construction will be truthful and accurate, thus contributing
to the overall validity and reliability of the study.

3.9 Limitations and scope

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The research will focus on the implications and benefits of using Microsoft Project software in
building project construction in Upperhill, Nairobi County. The study will assess the strategies
for improvement, benefits, and extent of usage of the software. Limitations of the research
include constraints on time and cost, potential effects of atmospheric weather conditions, and
other practical limitations.

3.10 Ethical considerations

Ethical considerations play a crucial role in research, ensuring the well-being and rights of
individuals participating in the study. In this research proposal, the researcher will adhere to
ethical guidelines by using polite and ethical language, introducing themselves, and seeking
permission from all relevant individuals within the construction sites in Upperhill. The purpose
and topic of the study will be clearly communicated to the participants, and their voluntary
participation will be appreciated as they provide the necessary information for the study.

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