Assessment of Quality Management Information Systems in Tower Construction Works

Abstract

Quality management (QM) systems have been developed in the construction industry to improve quality control in construction works. In the past, the expansion of telecommunication civil infrastructure in Nepal was restricted due to multiple challenges resulting from the country’s geographic diversity, which have led to difficulties in inspecting work quality in tower construction projects. However, quality management of civil structures has become a topic of major significance in the telecommunication industry in Nepal. Low-quality management can lead to several consequences such as increased maintenance needs, service disruptions affecting users, and structural instability that compromise the safety of the structure and endanger workers and the public. Quality control in construction work becomes more effective when critical criteria of tower inspection are identified and are paid more attention. This study aims to identify the critical inspection criteria that are used in tower construction projects during its construction and installation by using a mixed-methods approach. A quantitative approach was employed for the research activities. Data were collected from 46 questionnaires distributed to the site engineers and technical executives of telecommunication organizations in Nepal. The questionnaire survey was composed of a list of inspection criteria identified from literature reviews. The criterion “steel as per shop drawing along with galvanization” was found to be most critical among identified 30 criteria. The findings from the study can help civil engineering personnel working on tower construction to prioritize critical inspection criteria in their projects. The study can also contribute to the management body to create an acceptance criterion for the tower construction works, which can eventually help avoid disputes in tower construction contracts.