Modelling the Factors Affecting Quality of Building Construction Projects during the Construction Phase in Gaza Strip

Abstract

Quality measurement is the trigger for quality improvement. The things which can not be measured can not be improved. The real scope of quality improvement in construction projects is the difficulty and-maybe-lack of quality measurement methods. This research is intended to provide clients, project managers, designers, and contractors with necessary information needed to better manage the quality of a construction building project in Gaza Strip. Factors that affect the quality of a construction building project during construction phase are identified. Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used at the preliminary stage to identify these factors and the associated sub-factors. Combining the results of (NGT) and literature review yielded 14 main factors and 60 sub-factors affecting quality of a building construction project. A questionnaire was developed and used as a research tool to obtain the opinions of 65 contracting companies and 24 consulting firms on the identified most important factors affecting quality. Four Approaches were used throughout the study for the development of representative models. The appropriate model was resulted from a stepwise multiple regression analysis on the quality factors resulted from Factor Analysis approach. It is concluded that the most important factors affecting quality of a building construction project are: characteristics of site layout, skill and experience of site staff, characteristics of design documents, and using equipment, materials, quality and labor management systems and the owner quick response in taking decisions. Type of awarding system and the political environment also among the factors effecting quality. It is recommended that contracting and consulting firms to develop a quality system before starting the construction of a project to meet the requirements of international quality standards, and to develop comprehensive management systems for equipment, materials, and labors. Also, using the developed model as a tool to measure quality of the construction project and identify the weakness points that lowers the degree of quality and improve it.