IMPROVING QUALITY PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC SECTOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS USING QUALITY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (QPIs): THE CASE OF GHANA EDUCATION AND HEALTH SERVICES

ABSTRACT

There is lack of universally accepted measurement framework for project performance, particularly in developing countries including Ghana. This brings to the fore the need for performance indicators for projects. It is essential that such performance indicators do not merely focus on the needs of project implementing agencies but also address the needs of beneficiaries. The aim of the study was to explore the use of quality performance indicators in improving quality performance of public sector projects in Ghana. The specific objectives of the study included to; identify key quality performance indicators for measuring quality performance of public sector construction projects, identify the critical constraints to effectively managing quality of public sector projects in Ghana, identify the benefit of key quality performance indicators, and make recommendations for improving quality management of public sector projects in Ghana. Quantitative research design was adopted involving the development and administration of questionnaires to a sample of 127 construction professionals and consultants involved in the execution of Ghana Education Service and Ghana Health Service projects in the Eastern Region. The findings of the study revealed that completing work on time, ensuring efficient and optimum use of resource, doing the right job first time, efficiently and effectively managing construction project, and providing own resources were the key performance indicators of Ghana Education Service and Ghana Health Service projects in the study setting. It was evident that difficulties in quantifying cost of quality, poor information and communication channels, difficulties in implementing quality measures, poor monitoring and controlling construction processes, high cost of developing and utilizing a quality management system, and low project team capability were the dominant critical constraints to effectively and efficiently managing quality. The study recommended that quality performance indicators should be introduced to monitor and evaluate construction the industry in Ghana to ensure systematic and quality performance of public sector construction projects, the key client entities and professional bodies should develop quality performance indicators to enable entities assess and rate the performance of each contractor on each project. Client entities should institute training procedures or refresher courses in quality performance as part of their annual plan for the architects, constructors, engineers, project managers and surveyor who spearhead public sector construction projects.