An Investigation of Factors Influencing Construction Project Planning in South Sudan’s Public Road Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors influencing project planning in public road projects in South Sudan. It aims to identify key challenges and opportunities, contributing to the development of more effective planning practices to enhance infrastructure development and support economic growth. Materials and Methods: A descriptive research design was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires targeting professionals in public road projects across South Sudan. Secondary data were gathered from existing literature and official reports. Data analysis utilized the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank factors influencing project planning. Findings: The study identifies intergovernmental factors, resource availability, technological infrastructure, and project-specific characteristics as critical determinants of project planning adequacy. It reveals significant gaps in defining project objectives, realistic scheduling, cost estimation, and risk management. The findings underscore the need for enhanced intergovernmental coordination, investment in skilled labor, and adoption of advanced project management tools to address planning deficiencies. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research builds on institutional and contingency theories, highlighting the interplay of environmental, organizational, and contextual factors in planning outcomes. For practitioners, it provides actionable insights to improve project planning practices. For policymakers, the study recommends strengthening governance frameworks, standardizing processes, and fostering transparency in planning and implementation.