Factors Affecting Quality Performance of Construction Firms in Ghana: Evidence from Small–Scale Contractors

Abstract

In response to the poor quality workmanship by small scale contractors (SSCs) in Ghana, evaluating quality performance is particularly important especially in developing countries where construction works are largely manual. The aim of this paper is to identify, evaluate by ranking critical factors that influenced the quality performance of small scale contractors according to their relative importance and recommend measures to reduce its significance on project outcome. Sixty-nine (69) questionnaires were self-administered to professional staff including architects, quantity surveyors, and engineers engaged by small scale contractors. The relative importance index (RII) was used to rank factors for the analysis. The study identified: fraudulent practices and kickbacks, lack of coordination between designers and contractors and; poor monitoring and feedback are ranked as the first three factors that affected the QP of SCC and related to consultants. In addition, lack of training on quality for staff, lack of management leadership and lack of previous experience of contractor were also identified as factors related to contractors as the most critically ranked factors. It is therefore recommended that policy makers, researchers and practitioners look at improving the human resource base through continuous professional and skill development. Again monitoring systems should be improved at various district offices for the implementation of good construction procedure with the aim of ensuring quality practices. More importantly, design should be revaluated before the actual construction through pre-construction conference in order to do away with unnecessary design that will not ensure quality.

Keywords: Quality Performance (QP), Relative Importance, Small Scale Contractors (SSC), Critical factors, Ghana