Title: Monitoring and Evaluation as a Driver of Construction Project Performance: Evidence from Lemi Kura Sub-City, Addis Ababa
Authors: Workenh Eshatuu Sime
Tadele Mulisa Hunda
Volume: 10
Issue: 8
Pages: 337-348
Publication Date: 2026/08/28
Abstract:
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is an important project management function for tracking implementation progress, identifying deviations, and supporting the achievement of project objectives. This study assessed M&E practices in construction projects in Lemi Kura Sub-City, Addis Ababa, focusing on the current state of M&E practice and the major challenges and opportunities affecting its implementation. A quantitative approach was employed using a census-based descriptive research design covering seven active construction projects. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and key informant interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that M&E practices were inadequately institutionalized. The company lacked a well-organized M&E system, clear institutional structure, standardized monitoring tools, and consistent reporting formats. Weak financial monitoring also constrained systematic comparison of planned budgets with actual expenditures. The major challenges identified were lack of management support, limited resources and budget, knowledge gaps, and delays in providing project data. Despite these challenges, respondents strongly recognized the benefits of M&E, particularly its contribution to stakeholder feedback, organizational learning, project scheduling, cost control, accountability, quality, and achievement of project objectives. The study concludes that strengthening M&E requires systematic institutionalization, stronger management commitment, adequate resources, standardized procedures, improved staff capacity, and timely provision and use of reliable project information.