Factors influencing adoption of quality management system in Kenyan roads authorities

Abstract

Quality Management in Roads Construction Authorities typically involves ensuring compliance with minimum standards of material, workmanship and specifications in order to ensure the performance of the facility according to the design. The construction industry is a key sector in many national economies. Implementing the international standards in construction not only provides technical advantages but also social, economic and environmental gains for the industry, regulators and consumers not only in Kenya but the world over. An ISO certification means that an organizations quality management system meets the requirements of the standard as issued by the International Standardization for Organizations, (ISO). This study sought to assess the factors influencing the adoption of ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System, (QMS) adoption in Kenyan Roads Authorities, KeNHA, KURA and KeRRA. The primary data was collected using self-administered questionnaires from the sampled employees of the Roads Authorities who were the respondents. The target population was a total of 576 employees, from which a sample size of 80 respondents was drawn. The study embraces a case study research design to assess the factors influencing adoption of QMS in the Roads Authorities. The study utilizes stratified sampling technique to come up with samples from the senior management, middle management and junior. Purposive sampling technique is then used within the strata. Descriptive analysis is subsequently used to analyze the primary data. The reliability test was conducted through Cronbach coefficient analysis which yielded 0.82. Data collected was analyzed through SPSS software. The study established that adoption of ISO 9001:2008 QMS in roads Authorities requires Adequate Resources, Relevant, Timely and all-inclusive Training of the Staff, Top Management Commitment and a need to identify the Perceived Benefits an organization expects to enjoy on successful certification. Based on these findings, the study recommended that similar organizations pursuing QMS ISO certification must allocate adequate resources, obtain the involvement and commitment of the top management from the onset, provide the required training as and when required. The study has subsequently suggested that other related organizations like the Kenya Roads Board should also be studied to ascertain whether the findings are similar. Private consultants dealing with roads Authorities can also be included in the study. More factors influencing adoption of QMS should also be considered for study apart from those that have been explored in this research.