Exploring the Role of Financial Records Management in Enhancing Public Health Construction Projects Management

Abstract

This study has explored the role of financial records management in enhancing public health construction projects management, a case study of Singida region referral hospital (SRRH). Objectives were to examine the contribution financial records management practices for public health construction projects management; to examine the contribution of financial records towards construction project evaluation and auditing; and analyzing factors hindering financial records management for improved public health construction projects management at SRRH. The study relied on both quantitative and qualitative approaches from a sample size of 45 respondents. Data collection adopted a multi-approach with three key sources of data: a questionnaire, interviews and observation of available reports. Quantitative data were presented and analyzed by using SPSS version to formulate graphs and charts for coding and creating table and graphs for data presentation and analysis. Qualitative data were presented and analyzed by using thematic analysis where qualitative data were classified, organized and presented in relation to questions asked from each objective. The study observed all research ethics by informing the authority before data collection. Respondents were given a chance of voluntarily response, and data collected were presented, analyzed, discussed and reported under high level of confidentiality. The findings show that despite of low awareness of staff on the role of financial records for public health construction projects management, financial records such as budget, contracts, payment vouchers, evaluation reports, auditing reports are potential documents which enhance project management, evaluation and auditing public health construction projects management. Financial records management is affected by factors such as lack of management and staff awareness on the need of financial records for construction project management, lack of professional staff to manage financial records associating with construction projects management, lack of resources for managing financial records, lack of financial records management infrastructures, v inappropriate financial records management system, lack of storage facilities, lack of policies and guidelines, and lack of file movement control tools. This study concludes that despite of low awareness of staff on the role of financial records in enhancing public health construction projects management, financial records and public health construction projects are indispensable for public health construction projects management at SRRH and other institutions of the same nature. The records management practices toward public health construction projects management was affected by low awareness. This study recommends SRRH management adequate resources allocation, and capacity building on the benefits of financial records in managing public health construction projects, and how to management them within appropriate financial management systems. Also there are must be professional financial records management personnel, and developing organizational financial records management policies