A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The construction projects sector is widely challenged with quality to achieve the desired quality requirements. This study aims to assess the current practice of quality management, to identify and determine the main factors affecting quality management, and to propose a framework to improve quality management in building construction projects in Arba Minch Town. To achieve the aim a purposive sampling technique was used to select the project parties (clients, contractors, and consultants) within the study area, which comprises the professionals in building construction projects such as project managers, construction engineers, quantity surveyors, and supervisors working on each through a structured questionnaire, interviews, and case studies. A total of 60 questionnaires were administered out of which 54 were returned completed representing a 90% response rate. The pilot study, validity, and reliability were used to ensure the integrity and quality of data collection instruments. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS-20) and Microsoft excel. The mean and RII in rating levels were determined. One-way ANOVA was used to determine whether they are statically significant difference between means of the two or more groups. Based on data analysis, the finding of the study revealed that the majority of building construction projects in Arba Minch town was under an average level of occurrence of quality management practice. Escalation of materials price, amount of project contract cash flow, incompleteness and inconsistency of design documents, and low communication between project parties in a contract were the most significant factors affecting quality management in building construction projects. The variables covered in the proposed framework to improve quality management are: Top management commitment in the quality process, improve financial system & cost of quality, improving the communication channels, undertaking regular supervision, inspection and team working, involvement of the employee’s in project quality management, and using quality of construction materials and equipment in Project. Top management should give special attention to the project quality management, the project parties (the clients and consultants) should make adequate contract price, fair project estimate to award the appropriate bidder and they should be established a good communication channel between them.