Public sector’s perspective on implementing public – private partnership (PPP) policy in Ghana and Hong Kong

Abstract

Purpose The public sector plays a critical role in the successful implementation of public–private partnership (PPP) projects. Thus, there is a need to holistically explore the public sector’s view on the implementation practices of PPP. This paper aims to explore and compare the public sector’s views on PPP practices in Ghana and Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with PPP practitioners of senior authority in public institutions in both Ghana and Hong Kong. The interviews covered critical issues of PPP implementation practices such as motivations for engaging in PPP, success criteria/indicators, critical success factors (CSFs), external stakeholder management and training and education in PPPs. Findings The findings show that quick delivery of public projects and private sector efficiency are the reasons considered by both groups of interviewees. On the success criteria, interviewees from both jurisdictions mentioned user satisfaction, budget, time and quality. The CSFs mentioned by both groups include capacity building and training, project viability, proper planning and good feasibility studies. Sensitization programs, including open forums and community meetings, were mentioned by both groups as measures for managing external stakeholders. On the training and education, both groups mentioned international study tours and organizing courses and seminars. Originality/value The outputs of this study offer strategies that are very useful to international private developers who are interested in PPP practices in Africa and Asia. Further, the findings contribute to the knowledge on the international best practices for PPP.

Readiness assessment of public–private partnerships (PPPs) adoption in developing countries: the case of Tanzania

“…An overwhelming majority (100%) indicated not using any experts. The findings around the decision by the Tanzanian stakeholders not to use experts in the assessment process are also consistency with literature PPP implementation and PM challenges facing developing countries (Rwelamila, 2012; Chen et al , 2019; Osei-Kyei et al , 2018). For example, Osei-Kyei et al (2018) recommended the engagement of highly skilled and experienced external advisors to assist in the evaluation and assessment of proposals.…”

“…The findings around the decision by the Tanzanian stakeholders not to use experts in the assessment process are also consistency with literature PPP implementation and PM challenges facing developing countries (Rwelamila, 2012; Chen et al , 2019; Osei-Kyei et al , 2018). For example, Osei-Kyei et al (2018) recommended the engagement of highly skilled and experienced external advisors to assist in the evaluation and assessment of proposals. Likewise, Rwelamila’s (2012, p. 341) study of PM performance in a few developing countries (Botswana, Indonesia and Nigeria) found a lack of enough numbers of experts to support the planning, design and implementation of construction projects.…”

Determination of the Critical Success Criteria for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects in Turkey

“…In other words, one size fits all approach harms the success of the projects. Osei-Kyei and Chan [38] conducted another study to compare and explore the public sector's view on PPP practices in Ghana and Hong Kong. Additionally, the authors determined 9 success criteria through semistructured interviews with 10 PPP practitioners from both Ghana and Hong Kong.…”

Identifying Project Management Practices and Principles for Public–Private Partnerships in Housing Projects: The Case of Tanzania

“…For instance, the study by Chileshe et al [59] had only 8 interviewees. Likewise, the recent comparative PPP study by [68] aimed at examining the implementation practices of Ghana and Hong Kong has a combined sample size of ten PPP practitioners, with eight in Ghana and two in Hong Kong. Furthermore, as acknowledged by [68], that small samples are not uncommon for qualitative research (i.e., interviews) in PPP studies.…”

“…Likewise, the recent comparative PPP study by [68] aimed at examining the implementation practices of Ghana and Hong Kong has a combined sample size of ten PPP practitioners, with eight in Ghana and two in Hong Kong. Furthermore, as acknowledged by [68], that small samples are not uncommon for qualitative research (i.e., interviews) in PPP studies. Secondly, several studies such as [69][70][71]; have conceptualized and operationalised saturation in different ways.…”