Assessing the implementation of quality control management techniques by contractors in building construction projects around Kampala

Abstract

In executing projects, it is mandatory for contractors to strictly adhere to set out quality requirements and standards. For this to be attained, construction processes have to be closely monitored or else projects risk facing associated consequences of not comprehensively doing so such as quality failures and its associated costs like reworks which have ripple effects on project success. Therefore this research drew focus on assessing the implementation of different quality control techniques by the contractors while executing building projects. The specific objectives being to determine the quality control techniques used by contractors, to examine the reasons why contractors use these quality control management techniques, to establish the procedures used in developing a quality control plan for monitoring ongoing works and to evaluate the challenges faced by the contractors while implementing these quality control management techniques. A sample size of 26 contractors was selected using purposive sampling technique, these were registered with UNABCEC and had acquired the ISO 9001 quality certification. These were identified within Kampala and 2 respondents from each ongoing project were identified to participate in the study. The research was more of a quantitative study with responses acquired using questionnaires but sought qualitative responses inform of interviews as well. Key project participants in the study being project/construction managers, site engineers, clerk of works as well as quality engineers. Key findings revealed the commonly used techniques as quality control documentation, supervision and inspection, material storage and testing, quality control documentation. The reasons why they adopted the techniques being providence of quality maintenance throughout entire project, providing quality records, ascertaining material fitness, observing good methods of workmanship and tracking construction deficiencies. A preventive and corrective work programme was being used to monitor ongoing construction works as well. Challenges faced while implementing these techniques were mostly attributed to lack of communication and coordination among different teams, high costs of carrying out the different tests and hiring equipment testing kits, insufficient quality control management and production planning then fixed project schedules and/or budgets. Therefore from the findings acquired, implementation of these techniques by the selected contractors can be rated moderate. The findings can as well be utilized by the practitioners in this field as a policy guide to improve the levels of workmanship, quality, time and cost of construction.