Zaray, A H; Hasan, A; Johari, S; Hashmat, P A and Jha, K N (2023) Client and contractor perspectives on attributes affecting construction quality in a war-affected region. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(10), pp. 4762-4781. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The 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/approach: A 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. Findings: The 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/value: Evaluating 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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Afghanistan; construction defects; construction quality; war-affected regions |
| Index terms: | war, construction professional, construction work, factor analysis, Afghanistan, quality management, unethical practices, construction defect, construction project, methodology, management practice, construction sector, construction quality, exploratory factor analysis, public safety, drawing, construction practitioner, survey, quality assurance |
| Subjects: | Geography, conflict and crisis studies, production management, professional development, management, research methods, industry analysis, statistical analysis, quality assurance, emergency and crisis management, data collection methods, contract obligations, ethical practice, technical documentation, operations management |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Design Practice, Legal Issues, Information Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Geographical Context, Health and Safety, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here