OVERVIEW OF CHALLENGES OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION IN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Quality Management (QM) is one of the techniques used by construction industry to improve financial performance, higher customer satisfaction, and higher product quality. However, certain factors which include structural and contextual challenges hinder the effective implementation of QM in developing nations such as in the Nigerian construction industry. This study aims to assess the strategies for effective implementation of QM practice in Nigeria construction projects by investigating the extent of QM implemented in Nigerian construction sector, explored the challenges faced in its implementation process and proposed for strategies that can be adopted for its effective implementation. To achieve the objectives of the study, a survey research design was adopted for data collection, where questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection in the survey research design. A total of 370 questionnaires were administered to staff of targeted10 small and medium construction firms, out of which 137 questionnaires were returned. The data obtained in the questionnaire study was analyzed using descriptive statistics; means score and Relative Importance Index (RII). While the one obtained in the interview exercise was analyzed through content analysis. The findings revealed that there is partial implementation of QM in all the selected construction firms in projects execution. Lack of commitment of management toward the implementation, misinterpretation for QM requirements by staff is some of the challenges faced by the firms in QM implementation. Some of the techniques that can be used for effective QM implementation in the construction projects are provision of resources for QM implementation, ensuring procedures for suitable standard of quality services, frequent site monitoring and efficient communication link between the various departments of the construction firms. 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 for effective implementation of QM in all section of construction project execution.