A Framework for Enhancing Quality Assurance Practices of Building Contractors

Abstract

The quality of building construction projects in Kenya has been a challenge throughout recent years. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which contractors apply quality assurance practices and thereafter develop a framework to enhance quality assurance practices of building contractors in Kenya. Ten quality assurance practices were identified from literature review and their importance ranked by respondents through a questionnaire survey. The level and frequency of application of the practices was assessed using relative importance index. The most important practices were process control, management responsibility and, inspection and testing. The least ranked were internal quality audits, and control of inspection, measuring and test equipment. The most frequently applied practices were process control, inspection and testing, and purchase control. The least frequently applied practices were training, internal quality audits, and control of equipment. The findings of this study provide a tool for enhancing quality assurance practices of building contractors through the use of ISO 9001 standards and Force Field Analysis.