Author(s): Gregory Chimere Enyinna, Okwuchi Chizitere Oguzie,Uchenna U Moneke, Chukwuebuka Nnamdi Nwokolo, Ogbonnaya Blessing Nmesoma,Stanley Okangba,Columbus Ikechukwu Anyanwu,Ulari Sylvia Onwuka,Chidozie Bruno Okonkwo,Ihuoma Deborah Okwara
The adoption and application of Quality Management System (QMS) on construction projects are very crucial to meeting the various project success criteria. It can be said that the construction industry impacts the Nigerian economy and QMS can help it maintain a steady ground in that position. This paper delves into the application of QMS on construction projects in Nigeria, how often they are applied and factors that affect its application. A questionnaire survey was carried out in this study involving 50 participants obtained by stratified random sampling technique. The data collated was evaluated with Mean Item Score (MIS), standard deviation and Ranks, for clarity. One-sample T-test was utilized to ascertain the respective benefits of the outlined items for the application of QMS on construction projects. Multiple regression analysis was also employed to prove the relationship between variables of the study and to draw conclusions. The findings reveal that, little or no effort from the top management, discord between project stakeholders, insufficient/lack of quality planning or tools, coaching and mentoring, documentation and records, costs involved in creating and supporting QMS, insufficient comprehension of the QMS, poor communication of quality criteria and lastly, diverse understanding amongst staff due to different backgrounds, affect the application of QMS on construction projects within the selected area. The study also identified seven critical success factors of significant impact to the adoption of QMS on construction projects were identified: customer focus and satisfaction, continuous improvement, team work, education and training, leadership and commitment, vendor development, and lastly, organization structure. The study therefore recommends that commitment and support from top management, implementation of a viable framework that prioritizes customer focus and satisfaction, continuous improvement, etc. be properly instituted for better implementation of an effective QMS in the construction industry.