Integration of Capability Analysis and Its Impact on Process Capability: Evidence from the Constituency Development Fund Process for Project Approval and Funding in Zambia

Abstract

Processes by nature are affected by variation, either chronic or sporadic, which hinder them from consistently producing desirable outcomes relative to specifications. Existing research has rarely utilised analytical tools that quantify variation and capability within the constituency development fund process (CDF). They rely on qualitative or descriptive assessments, which do not capture the extent to which variability contributes to process delays. The study aimed at demonstrating how integrated capability metrics provide objective, quantifiable measures of process variation to capture the extent to which it contributes to process capability. For example, the use of descriptive statistics on selected projects revealed differences in mean, standard deviation and sigma levels that could not be captured by qualitative or descriptive assessment. The study used a quantitative-descriptive research design. Data were gotten from the Value Stream Map developed for CDF process for project approval and funding. Data analysis was done descriptively through Median, and Inter Quartile Range (IQR) to capture variation and its impact on process capability and funding. Key Result(s): while qualitative or descriptive assessment provide subjective impressions of process performance, it fails to capture the magnitude, distribution and implication of variability on process capability. The differences in median (14) and IQR (21), indicates high variability. Hence, the process is unstable and unpredictable, leading to delayed project implementation, under-utilization or late utilization of funds. Recommendation: There is need to prioritize and improve data collection and record keeping to stabilize the process and enable better forecasting and capability monitoring. Conclusion: Improving process stability should be the first step before meaningful capability analysis can be performed.