Impact Assessment of the Quality Assurance Units on Project Implementation in the Department of Public Works and Highways: Basis of Proposed Policy Revisions and Quality Improvement

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to find evidence on the impact of the Quality Assurance Units (QAUs) on project implementation in the DPWH in improving the Quality Assurance Program and achieve quality service. The study specifically aimed to determine the following:(1) technical and professional qualifications of DPWH QAUs and Field Engineer-respondents; (2) their assessment of the attainment of  QAUs’ objectives  related to project implementation; (3) impact assessment of the QAU processes on the improvement of the following: regular assessment, validation of corrective measures, sanction mechanisms for erring engineers and rating of QA Performance; (4) assessment of QAUs’ impact on agency operations and corruption prevention; (5) problems encountered in the conduct of quality audit process; (6) suggested solutions to achieve quality improvement; and (7) proposed policy revisions and quality improvement. The descriptive research method was used in this study. A survey questionnaire was employed to solicit the assessments of the QAUs, field engineers and the DPWH management. A total of 162 QAU and 169 accredited field engineers of the 17 Regional Offices and United Project Management Office participated as respondents. Results showed the objectives of the QAU were attained to a large extent. The three (3) policy revisions proposed by the researcher will improve the project implementation and address the requirement of ISO certification of continual improvement including the other proposals that are recommended to be implemented.