Client and contractor perspectives on attributes affecting construction quality in a war-affected region

Abstract

PurposeThe poor quality of construction work in war-affected regions is a significant issue. The large-scale destruction to the existing infrastructure from the war necessitates cost and time-efficient delivery of construction projects during and post-war to bring normalcy to affected lives and places. Consequently, there is always a tendency to finish construction projects in the shortest possible time on a limited budget without following the proper quality management processes. However, the poor quality of construction projects continues to affect the country's development, growth, credibility, reputation, and public safety for several years after the war. To this end, the present study was conducted to evaluate the significant attributes and factors contributing to the poor quality of construction projects in the war-affected Afghan construction sector.Design/methodology/approachA total of 31 attributes influencing construction project quality were ranked based on 110 completed survey responses collected from Afghan construction professionals. Moreover, independent samples t-test, Spearman's rank correlation test, and exploratory factor analysis were conducted.FindingsThe study found a moderate consensus between clients and contractors on attributes' rankings. In addition, the independent samples t-test showed statistically significant differences in means values of responses from clients and contractors for eight attributes. Based on factor analysis, 19 important attributes (median value greater than or equal to four) were classified into 4 latent factors – (1) poor-quality assurance and control, (2) unethical practices, (3) design and drawing errors, and (4) knowledge and skills gap.Originality/valueEvaluating the factors affecting the quality of construction projects will help clients, government departments, and construction practitioners improve the construction quality management practices. The findings will also inform the policies and procedures of international aid providers.

The Dimensional Effect of Optimal Project Risk Management Practices on Project Quality of Selected Construction Companies in Nigeria

“…Naveed and Khan (2022) discovered that project risk management had a significant impact on project success. Zaray et al (2022) revealed that project risk management had a significant effect on project quality. Hoque and Hasan (2022) revealed that project quality success had a significant influence on project risk management.…”

“…Hence, applying effective risk management techniques to manage risks associated with various construction activities has become imperative for the successful delivery of a project. and Zaray, et al (2022) affirmed that constructions project quality has been identified to be negatively influenced by low-quality materials, lack of auditing, lack of proper supervision, design complexity, design concept among others is some of the common sources of construction defects. Also, constructions project quality is negatively influenced by conflicts between project managers and other outside stakeholders such as sub-contractor and owner, suspending important decisions, unawareness of proper planning tools and techniques by project managers, poor monitoring and feedback tools, negative attitude of project managers and project participants, disorganized resources allocation (Amoah & Sibelekwana, 2023;El Khatib et al, 2023;Hijazi, 2021;Mohammed & Adindu, 2021).…”

“…The global decline in project quality within construction companies in developed countries is a growing concern, with several key factors, such as cost-cutting measures, the demand for faster project delivery, skilled labor shortages in the construction industry, complex and changing regulations, Poor communication among project stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors, and project owners, economic downturns, inadequate risk management practices, and compromised project outcomes contribute to this issue (Alonso-Conde & Rojo-Suarez, 2020; Dohale et al, 2021;El Khatib et al, 2023;Stergiopoulos et al, 2022). While it is important to note that not all projects or construction companies are affected equally, there are common trends that highlight this decline (Zaray et al, 2022).…”