ASSESSMENT OF STRATEGY FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT (QM) PRACTICE IN NIGERIA CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Abstract

The adoption Quality Management has become vital strategy in a construction industry, to improve financial performance, higher customer satisfaction, and higher product quality The aim of the study is to assess the strategies for effective implementation of QM practice in Nigeria construction project. The study gave insight on the extent of QM implemented in the construction sector, and also explore the challenges faced in the implementation of QM in construction activities. In order to obtain the pertinent information of the study a survey and case study research was adopted with mixed methods of data collection (Quantitative and qualitative approach) through the administration of questionnaire and interviewing the professional at site among small, and medium construction company in Abuja metropolis. A total of three hundred and seventy (370) questionnaires were administered to architect, engineer, builder and quantity surveyor, out of which total of one hundred and fourth-six (146) and 10 professionals are interviewed. Information gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistics percentage, means score, Relative Importance Index (RII) and content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that there is partial implementation of QM among construction firm during execution of projects. Findings of the study also unveiled that lack of commitment of management toward the implementation, misinterpretation for QMs requirements amongst involved staff among others are the challenges facing QM implementation in construction processes in Nigeria. The findings also disclosed the measures set in place by most of the construction are revealed not to be effective enough for QM implementation among these are provision of resources for quality management implementation, ensuring procedures and maintenance adopted suit to standard of quality services, overseeing the adequate QM implementation in all sites of operations, ensuring efficient communication link between the various department of the construction firm. It could be concluded that there is poor implementation of QM among construction firm during execution of projects and lack commitment of management toward the implementation, misinterpretation for QMs requirements amongst involved staff, inadequate quality production and support planning. The study thereby recommended that stakeholders in construction industry should be enlighten on importance of effective implementation of QM in all section of construction project execution. Training and retraining of professionals and staff in the construction industries should be made available for effective implementation of QM in all section of construction project execution. and also adequate provision of resources should be made available for an of effective implementation of QM in all section of construction project execution.