Evaluating quality management on selected South African freight rail construction projects

• Main Author: Mhlekwa, Gcobani Sydney
• Other Authors: Jowah, L.E., Dr
• Language: en
• Published: Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2019
• Subjects: Railroads > Freight > Quality control; Freight and freightage; Construction industry > Quality control
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2866

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration in Project Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019. === This study focussed on the evaluation of quality management at one of the selected South African freight rail construction projects. Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) was selected for its high rate of accidents and injuries that happen on daily basis which affect the company’s operations and profits. The study’s approach was to obtain as much as possible opinions from local and international experts on quality management in construction projects. The opinions were gathered through a number of official journals on the best practices for quality management, comparing all of these practices to that of TFR in order to conclude whether the need for improvement or the change in practicing quality is required. The mixed − method approach was employed, to gather more and accurate data. The strengths of qualitative research approach can make up for the weaknesses of the quantitative research approach, this was the reason why mixed − method was chosen. The targeted population of this study included the internal stakeholders such as quality assurance officers, project managers, project coordinators and project team members. This targeted population was able to provide the accurate information as they are directly involved in the execution of the projects in terms of quality management of the project. A questionnaire was developed and employed as a tool to gather data to satisfy the research questions. This study was a case study because it only focused on TFR Iron Ore line projects. The focus was that, within TFR Iron Ore line, only those who are affected directly by the above mentioned projects were interviewed. The study has revealed that the Total Quality Assurance measures are being ignored at TFR, such as unscheduled quality tours, quality audits, quality control routines, random sampling of errors and record seen defects, and quality monitoring throughout the project life cycle.