Assessment of stakeholders quality satisfaction level for completed road projects

This research focused on improving the quality of road construction industry in Tanzania by exploring the causes and possible solutions for the stakeholders’ quality dissatisfaction in the completed road projects in Tanzania despite the project being completed with all specifications as in the bidding document. The study utilized a series of semi-structured interviews on the best practices for managing the quality of road construction in the Tanzanian construction industry whereby data were collected through qualitative and quantitative techniques. A total of 50 responded to the questionnaire out of a sample size of 50 representing a response rate of 100 per cent which is considered quite good. Data analysis indicates that, the top four factors that lead to stakeholders’ dissatisfaction with completed road projects are: late completion of projects, poor quality of workmanship, cost overruns and lastly the lowest tender syndrome i.e. price driven selection of contractors. The key research findings regarding improving stakeholder satisfaction levels in the Tanzanian road construction industry have been met and therefore the propositions that arose from the main objectives of the study have all been investigated, analyzed and presented.Suggested strategies for improving stakeholders’ satisfaction, includes use of a competent and reputable contracting firms managed by professionals, to ensure that construction works are not delayed; Stakeholders should set more realistic construction programmes, avoiding lowest tender syndrome and lastly contractors should make sure that there is pro-active and visible participation by its senior management / executives in the project.It is recommended to prioritize the factors underlying to stakeholders’ quality dissatisfaction as well as the suggested strategies for improving stakeholders’ satisfaction like involving the contractors and stakeholders from the initial stages of the construction project and procurement process.