CONTRIBUTION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PROJECT SUCCESS IN RWANDA
A CASE OF HEALTH POST PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION IN NYANZA DISTRICT
Abstract
This study assessed the contribution of quality assurance management to project success in Rwanda, focusing on health post project implementation in Nyanza District. The specific objectives were to examine the effect of quality planning, quality control practices, staff training, and quality audits and monitoring on project success. The study adopted a descriptive and correlational research design using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from a sample of 120 respondents, including project staff, supervisors, and local stakeholders, selected through stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews with project supervisors, technicians, and local government officials. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Descriptive results indicated a high level of implementation of quality assurance management practices. Quality planning recorded a mean of M = 4.21, SD = 0.61, quality control practices M = 4.28, SD = 0.57, staff training M = 4.15, SD = 0.64, and quality audits and monitoring M = 4.32, SD = 0.55. Project success also registered a high overall mean of M = 4.30, SD = 0.58. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between quality assurance management and project success (r = 0.74, p < 0.01). Regression analysis further confirmed that quality assurance management significantly predicted project success (β = 0.68, p < 0.001). The regression model was statistically significant (F(4,115) = 40.08, p < 0.001) and explained 52% of the variation in project success (R² = 0.52). Qualitative findings revealed challenges such as limited availability of quality experts, staff turnover, communication gaps, and post-project financing constraints as threats to long-term sustainability. The study concludes that effective quality assurance management is a critical determinant of project success in health infrastructure projects, not only enhancing timely completion and budget adherence but also strengthening service delivery quality and sustainability of project outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening quality control systems, continuous staff training, robust monitoring and audit mechanisms, and sustainable post-project financing to enhance long-term service delivery and infrastructure maintenance.
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