EVALUATING THE INFLUENCE OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ELEMENTS ON ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PERFORMANCE. A CASE STUDY OF THE DAR ES SALAAM CITY BUS RAPID TRANSIT AGENCY (BRT).

Abstract

ABSTRACT The successful performance of road construction projects is crucial for urban infrastructure and public transportation systems. In Tanzania, the Dar es Salaam City Bus Rapid Transit Agency (BRT) manages key road construction projects aimed at improving urban transport efficiency. However, challenges impacting project outcomes highlight the importance of Total Quality Management (TQM) elements; particularly leadership commitment, strategic planning, customer focus, and workforce focus—as essential drivers of project success. This study examined how these TQM elements influence the performance of road construction projects managed by the BRT.A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, targeting BRT project stakeholders, including project managers, team leaders, and operational staff, with a of 185. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics summarized respondents' perceptions, while multiple regression analysis tested the relationship between TQM elements and project performance. The regression analysis showed significant positive relationships between all examined TQM elements and project performance. Leadership commitment explained 20% of the variance in project performance, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.672 (p < 0.05). Strategic planning and customer focus contributed 25% to project performance, with a beta coefficient of 0.918 (p < 0.05), emphasizing the importance of clear goals and meeting stakeholder needs. Workforce focus explained 18% of the performance variance, with a beta coefficient of 1.201 (p < 0.05), underlining the role of training, motivation, and engagement in improving project outcomes. These findings conclude that enhanced leadership commitment, strategic planning, customer focus, and workforce focus are vital to project success. It is recommended that the BRT prioritize leadership qualities that promote accountability, adopt comprehensive strategic planning processes incorporating stakeholder feedback, and invest in workforce training and development, and implement recognition programs to enhance morale. Further research should explore additional factors such as technology and external influences on project performance, employing qualitative methods to gain deeper insights into stakeholder perspectives.