Browsing by Author "Osei-Bonsu, Nana"

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    Developing a quality assurance framework for public works procurement
    (November, 2015 ) Osei-Bonsu, Nana
    Quality of construction is a problem worldwide. The problem is serious and evident in both developed and developing countries. This study aimed to develop Quality Assurance (QA) framework for public works procurement. The specific objectives were to identify practices and problems in works procurement; identify Critical Success Factors (CSF) for works procurement processes; and to develop a framework for enhancing quality assurance through public procurement. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Data were obtained through questionnaire survey (N=120 distributed, n=88 received) from Works Officers, Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Quality Officers and Procurement Officers. Data analysis techniques include: descriptive statistics, factor analysis and correlation matrix. The Works Quality Assurance Framework (WQAF) was developed based on findings from literature review and questionnaire survey. The WQAF validation method includes validation questionnaire (N=5) with Quantity Surveyors, Architects and Procurement Managers. Key findings which came out from the study include: three main problems (award of contract primarily on price; single contractor buys all tender documents; and consultant acting on behalf of contractor) and three key CSFs (i.e. procurement system factors, quality related factors and contractor selection and training factors) were the determinants to enhancing quality delivery of works procurement. The developed WQAF enables the determination of the activities, problems, areas/parties for improvement and QA improvement measures for design, bid and build projects. The study recommended that quality assurance strategies should be adopted at the early stage of public works procurement. The content of the study will be of interest to major stakeholders of public procurement, educational institutions, construction professionals and contractors.