Physical Asset Management Practices And Quality Service Delivery In Local Governments In Mid North Sub-Region Of Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish how physical asset management practices affect quality service delivery in local governments in the mid-north sub-region of Uganda. This study aimed to fill the gap in understanding the weight of excellent physical assets on service delivery. The research specifically focused on four key aspects of physical asset management: lifecycle planning, risk management, information management, and performance management. A cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach was employed. Data was collected from 131 respondents, selected through simple random and purposive sampling of physical asset managers in local governments. The self-administered questionnaires provided quantitative data, which was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through the Statistical Program for Social Scientists (SPSS Ver. 23). The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between physical asset management practices and quality service delivery (rho.506). Specifically, lifecycle planning, risk management, information management, and performance management were found to significantly impact the quality of service delivery in the local governments studied. In conclusion, the study highlighted the critical role of effective physical asset management practices in enhancing quality service delivery in local governments. The results underscore the importance of proper execution of these practices in various sectors, including engineering, infrastructure, estate, finance, and public procurement, to meet the expectations of different stakeholders. While the study was limited to a quantitative approach and two local governments, it provides valuable insights for both theoreticians and practitioners in developing countries, where research on this subject is nearly nonexistent. Further studies incorporating qualitative aspects and broader geographical coverage are recommended to enhance generalizability and understanding of the relationship between physical asset management and service delivery.