THE EFFECT OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PERFORMANCE (THE CASE OF GRADE ONE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES IN SILTIE ZONE

ABSTRACT The main objectives of this study was to examine the effects of quality management system (QMS) on the performance of grade one construction projects working in the Siltie Zone central Ethiopia regional state. The study was applied both qualitative and quantitative research design and was used descriptive and explanatory analysis methods. Besides theses, discussion of key informants was triangulate with quantitative results obtained from both descriptive and explanatory analysis. Cross section data was collected from 14 construction companies of managers, division heads, section head, experts and staffs. Purposive sampling techniques used to select the respondents for the questionnaire and interviewees. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and results were presented using tables. As the descriptive findings indicate that all QMS implementation have statically significant and moderate positive association with performance of grade one construction projects. As the multiple regression finding depicted that leadership, customer focus, process approach management, continuous improvement was positively influencing construction project performance at 1% significant level. The influence of evidence-based decision making is significant less than 5% level of significance, and it’s at statistically acceptable region. Interviewees recommended that full implementation of QMS in construction projects leads to improved product quality, reduced costs, and shorter timelines, ultimately enhancing competitiveness and effectiveness. These results imply that construction projects with effective QMS frameworks are more likely to sustain production efficiency and achieve superior performance outcomes. To increase the performance of projects giving priority for leadership training programs that focus on effective communication, team motivation, and strategic decision-making tailored to construction project environments are essential activities. Moreover, construction projects should develop and maintain well-defined work procedures, integrate project management software and ensure compliance with standards such as ISO 9001, to improve operations and maintain quality at every stage of the project.