Factors Affecting Total Quality Management in the Road Construction Sector: A Case Study of Moroto-Nakapiripirit Road Project

Abstract

The study was undertaken to establish the factors affecting total quality management on Moroto-Nakapiripirit road project. The specific objectives include establishing the relationship between quality planning and quality management, establishing the relationship between quality control and quality management and finally establishing the relationship between quality assurance and quality management. A case study design was used as supported by the quantitative and qualitative approaches. A number of (80) project staff formed the accessible population, with (74) respondents forming the sample. An overall response rate of 86.4% was obtained, with the following findings including a positive relationship (.589**) for quality planning, another positive relationship (.681**) for quality control and a positive relationship (.759**) for quality assurance. From the study, it was concluded that although the road objectives were SMART, some were complex, fewer road targets were met, some road quality standards not met and political influence existed. Some specifications were ignored and some road funds were not accounted for, delays in project performance evaluation experiences, performance short falls realized, some user feedback was ignored and some inspections delayed. Road funds were insufficient, technical staff were hired and resigned. Some project staff were misplaced, numerous product tests were done, however delayed. Recommendations made include: technical staff should adhere to more stipulated and specified standards, accounting officer should be legally held accountable, review complex goal and objectives, set up an independent quality assurance, political influence be limited, conduct a short term technical job evaluation exercise, road funding sources and contract employment terms be reviewed. There is need to procure and install mobile road material testing lab equipment as well as hire more lab technical staff to handle testing tasks.