Assessing Quality Performance of Engineering Projects: A Case of The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF)

Prince Kelvin Owusu, Atsu Agbenyega
2020 Mediterranean Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences  
Introduction Shelter undoubtedly is one of the most important necessities of human existence. According to Maslow's theory of needs, shelter is one of the basic requirements of life. It is one of the first steps of internal motivation. In line with this theory and other conditions, construction in all forms evolved over the years for the provision of shelter and the survival on man. In all construction project however, quality is key and must be certified in other to ensure the sustainability
more » ... the project. "Quality" is a word derived from the Latin word "Qualitas" which means the essence of the thing, person or the degree of goodness. Quality is conformance to requirements and specifications and what is pleasing to the customer. Quality is the overall product attribute and characteristics that satisfy the customer's needs and expectations. It is therefore the hallmark of all projects and must be ensured throughout the project's life cycle. The importance of Quality Management in any construction project cannot be overlooked. This is because, the sector constitutes the largest in any nations development and economic prospect (Farooqui, Masood and Aziz, 2008) . The construction sector is considered as the basic industry on which a country's development hinges. In broader terms, a nation's development is measured by the quality of its infrastructure and by extension, its construction projects (Wasiu, Aliyu and Modupe, 2012). The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) like most Armed Forces the world over, has Engineering Units that undertake construction or provide engineer effort for operational needs and to a large extent, the needs of the country. Vivid A B S T R A C T The term Total quality management (TQM) refers to a structured approach to the complete management of an organization for the continuous improvement of the quality of its outputs. The process focuses mainly on the customer or the end user. The main objective of this study was to assess the quality performance of engineering projects of the GAF with emphasis on projects undertaken by the Ghana Army Corps of Engineers. The specific objectives were; to assess engineering projects of the GAF, examine the quality performance of GAF projects particularly those undertaken by the Ghana Army Corps of Engineers and finally ascertain the challenges to the quality of GAF projects undertaken by the Ghana Army Corps of Engineers. Data was collected through questionnaire and interviews. Out of 35 questionnaires distributed, 30 were retrieved. 3 interviews were also conducted with some officials of the GAF. The GAF as an institution has undertaken numerous construction projects over the years. The projects are mainly designated either as horizontal or vertical constructions projects. The horizontal projects are those lying on the land, floor or ground and include road projects, bridges and airfield construction and repairs, among others. Vertical construction projects on the other hand comprise of projects that have elevations or heights. They include the constructions of school buildings, military accommodations and all others that have height. From the data gathered from the field, TQM is a philosophy that is well understood by personnel of the GAF. The statistics show that, a whopping 26 respondents (87%) out of the 30 know about the term, Total Quality Management (TQM). The data gathered and scrutinized also showed that, 25 respondents (83%) believed the GAF put the customer (the beneficiary) at the center of its plan in all engineering projects undertaken by Ghana Army Corps of Engineers. 16 of the respondents said TQM is successfully employed by the GAF in its engineering projects. This research concluded that, although the GAF has successfully undertaken numerous horizontal and vertical construction projects, it is not all that meet the required standard of quality. The research also identified bureaucracy and poor measurement strategies as major challenges to the implementation of TQM in GAF engineering projects. In view of the aforementioned, it was recommended that, there should be continuous education or retraining of the GAF staff on TQM. The bureaucracy and long chain of command within the GAF should also be revised to ensure efficient and timely decision making on projects to reduce delays and also improve performance.
doi:10.46382/mjbas.2020.4306 fatcat:b52b4jnc55grbd64qwrkjxgjdu