Project designing on performance of non-governmental organizations, case study of African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD), Uganda.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between project designing and the performance of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Uganda, with a focus on the African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD). The Systems Theory was used as the anchor in this study. The study examined the effect of organizational staff capacity on the performance of AIRD, assessed the effect of the project logical framework on the performance of AIRD and assessed the effect of organizational resources on the performance of AIRD. The case study research design, using a mixed-methods approach was employed. Questionnaires and interviews guided data collection from AIRD staff and project beneficiaries. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS, while qualitative data were examined through thematic content analysis. Findings indicate that logical framework (LF) with correlation coefficient 0.313 has a strong positive relationship on AIRD’s performance but with insignificant influence. Staff capacity with correlation coefficient 0.585 showed a strong significant relationship and this influenced coefficient beta 0.330 on AIRD performance. The organizational resources with correlation coefficient 0.600 exert a significant relationship and influence with coefficient beta 0.369 on project performance. Regression results further indicated that project designing accounts for 42.5% of AIRD’s performance (R² = 0.425; F = 16.721; p < 0.01), confirming that logical frameworks, staff capacity, and resource allocation substantially predict performance. The project designing is a critical determinant of NGO performance, as effective use of logical frameworks, skilled staff, and adequate resources enhance project clarity, efficiency, and impact. NGOs such as AIRD should organize staff development competency programmes, encourage knowledge sharing, strengthen needs-based assessments of beneficiaries, inclusion of donors’ requirement and optimize resource allocation in activities following the logical framework during project design to enhance performance. In addition, NGOs should apply artificial intelligence in project design and implementation to achieve project performance.