Assessing challenges in the implementation of performance monitoring systems in Department of Public Works

Abstract

The 1990s saw a shift in public service organisations that required that there be more accountability and a service delivery orientated public sector, this brought about the new public management theory. This meant that the challenges faced by organisations would not only be limited to budget spending but would increase accountability and the efficient use of allocated resources (Umashev and Willett, 2008). Performance monitoring systems gained prominence in South African government in 2006 after the launch of the Government-wide Monitoring and Evaluation System. This meant that should the implementation of this programme go well it would assist government in achieving its policy outcomes and overall impact. However, Cloete and Coning (2011) point out that the presence of a policy does not necessarily mean there will be effective implementation. The department of Public Works has received findings over the quality of performance information and the ineffective performance monitoring system. Therefore, the research intends to assess the challenges in the implementation of performance monitoring system in the national department of Public Works. The paper seeks to detail the problem and identify the knowledge gap; we further establish a conceptual framework that will assist in the interpretation of the research findings. The research proposes to carry out this research using a qualitative research strategy, using a case study design administered through an interview schedule, which will assist in gathering data to assess the challenges within the department.