Factor affecting quality management processes in government construction project activities:

Abstract

This study was about factors affecting quality management process in government construction projects by taking a survey of Arusha city council. The researcher used simple random sampling and purposive to select a sample that represents the entire population. The target population was 100 employees and sample size were be 50 respondents, however only 48 respondents willingly participated in the study. A descriptive survey design was employed in undertaking the study. The findings of the study show that leadership of the organization is moderately committed to quality management. The implication is that quality management is not given much consideration by the organization leaders. As the leaders demonstrate moderate commitment on quality management, there is a possibility for quality management practices not to be frequently conducted leading into less quality in government construction project activities. Also, the findings of this study revealed that, not all employees in the organizations get professional development on quality management. Lack of such training makes it difficult for these employees to effectively respond to different aspects arising in the quality management process. In addition, the findings of this study show that, not all goods and material used in government construction probably pass the quality standard that may be caused by poor project cost control whereby well controlled project has the set standard for material for quality management which is to be tested so as to meet quality and standard set. From the study findings, it was concluded that, leadership commitment highly affects the quality management process in government construction project activities. Professional development training on quality management practices plays a major role towards enhancing quality management in the implementation of government construction activities and furthermore, Quality control mechanisms significantly affect the process of quality management in government construction activities. From the study findings, it was suggested that, project leaders should be committed in performing quality management practices so as to ensure that the resources are used as expected, project activities are being performed as planned and also to conduct regular monitoring of the implementation of project activities. Professional development training programmes should be frequently conducted to the leaders and employers so as to equip them with skills and knowledge on quality management. Finally, quality management mechanisms need to be enhanced by making proper policies that will hold every participant responsible for quality management.