A conceptual quality improvement protocol for Free State public works projects

Abstract

Materials delivered on public works project sites deviate from technical specifications, with detrimental implications for the quality of the construction process and product. When delivered materials differ from specifications, quality issues such as defects and re-work ensue at greater cost to the clients. The inadequate application of concepts and techniques of quality improvement also appears to perpetuate the problems. This study aims to find answers as to which quality improvement protocol would ensure that materials are delivered on construction sites as specified by the engineers. A case-based design with multiple data-collection techniques and points was expedited in the study. The primary data collected through a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and purposive sampling from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s technical personnel provided the platform for compiling a quality improvement protocol contextualised for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in the Free State, which constituted the case study. The statistical and textual data outlined how the department could address quality planning, quality control, and quality improvement concerning materials delivery for public works projects. The article’s contribution is the proposed quality improvement protocol that should guide the specification and delivery of construction materials for projects.