Abstract: Rwanda’s construction sector continues to face recurring quality deficiencies, schedule delays, and cost overruns, linked to inconsistent adoption of Total Quality Management (TQM) practices. This study examined the influence of quality planning, quality assurance, quality control, and quality improvement on overall project performance at ECOMECO Ltd, focusing on quality, scope, cost, time, and client satisfaction. A quantitative research design was employed, using a Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 109 stratified respondents, of whom 106 provided responses, representing a 97.2% response rate. The instrument demonstrated high content validity (CVI = 0.937) and good reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.826). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 through descriptive statistics, normality testing, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and ANOVA. Findings showed that quality assurance (mean = 4.83) and quality improvement (mean = 4.41) very strong, while quality planning (mean = 3.64) and control (mean = 3.76) were generally high but lacked formal plans. Project performance was strong in scope compliance but weak in budget and schedule adherence. TQM practices predicted project performance (R = 0.818, R² = 0.669, F = 50.974, p < 0.001). Quality planning had the strongest effect (β = 0.482), followed by quality control (β = 0.385) and quality assurance (β = 0.192), while quality improvement showed a negative effect (β = −0.165). The study concludes that planning and control are pivotal and recommends formalizing TQM frameworks, institutionalizing audits, adopting improvement cycles, and integrating quality management with cost and schedule controls.

Abstract: This study examined the effect of the returned packaging inspection process on production line efficiency at SKOL Brewery Ltd. Specifically, it assessed the effect of the degree of automation of inspection on production line efficiency. The study employed descriptive and explanatory research design using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 167 employees, while 160 questionnaires were administered and 144 were fully completed and returned, representing a response rate of 90%. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. The correlation analysis revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between the degree of automation of inspection and production line efficiency (r = 0.866, p = 0.000). The findings indicated that automated inspection contributes to improved inspection speed, accuracy, consistency, and reliability while reducing inspection-related delays and production interruptions. The study concluded that the degree of automation of inspection is an important factor in improving productionline efficiency at SKOL Brewery Ltd. The study recommended increasing the use of automated inspection systems, establishing regular maintenance and calibration of inspection equipment, and providing practical training to employees operating automated inspection systems.

Alex Ansaye Mwanyongo – Malawi Adventist University, Department of Biomedical Sciences.

Mzimba South District Laboratory, Mzimba, Malawi.

Elias Bonya – Malawi Adventist University, Department of Biomedical Sciences

Exton Siyano – Malawi Adventist University, Department of Biomedical Sciences

Adam M. Nyanda – Malawi Adventist University, Department of Biomedical Sciences

Jonathan Majamanda – Malawi Adventist University, Department of Biomedical Sciences

Linly Linje – Malawi Adventist University, Department of Biomedical Sciences

Victor Peter Nkungula – Malawi Adventist University, Department of Basic Sciences.

Email: mlozenim@mchs.adventist.org/ mmlozen@yahoo.com

Abstract: This observational study on retrospective and prospective data for 35 months examined whether the laboratory department at Mzimba district hospital ensures a total quality management across all its processes is achieved using the sigma-metric. Bias and bias percentage were calculated using true values collected from external quality assurance results and package inserts. Total allowable errors for each parameter were extracted from the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA), with the Coefficient variations extracted from past statistical control values of the same lot numbers and external quality assurance results. Six sigma metrics formula was used for metrics calculation of all 23 parameters for this entire medical laboratory department. All 23 EQC parameters had less than 5 sigma metrics at p value of 0.0000. White blood count (WBC), Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet (PLT) had sigma metrics between 4-5. Red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), Mean cell volume (MCV), and haemoglobin (HGB) had sigma metrics < 3. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP) had sigma between 1-3. Albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (BIL T), direct bilirubin (BIL D), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminases (AST), Gamma Glutamyl Transaminase (GGT), creatinine (CR) and UREA had sigma metrics less than 3. Low and High parameters for both Viral load and SARS-Cov-2 scored less than 1 sigma metrics. On comparisons between years none of the parameters performed satisfactorily. There is a need to meet high class performance on quality control processes across all quality management system essentials.

Abstract: Globally, the agricultural sector faces challenges such as climate change and resource depletion, necessitating robust quality management practices for sustainability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of quality management practices on the performance of agricultural projects in Rwanda. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics of correlation and regression analysis at a significance level of 0.05 through SPSS Version 25. The findings for first, (H01) that the quality planning does not influence the performance of Agricultural Projects was rejected since P=0.000<0.05, confirming that quality planning has a significant positive influence on performance of Agricultural Projects. Second, (H02) stating that quality planning does not significantly influence performance of Agricultural Projects was also rejected since P=0.000<0.05, indicating a significant impact of quality assurance on performance of Agricultural Projects. Third, (H03) that the quality control does not influence the performance of Agricultural Projects was rejected since P=0.000<0.05, suggesting that quality control has a significant positive influence on performance of Agricultural Projects. Finally, (H04) that the quality improvement does not significantly influence the performance of Agricultural Projects was similarly rejected since P=0.000<0.05, highlighting that quality improvement significantly contributes to improving performance of Agricultural Projects. The study concluded that the Seed Potato Fund Ikigega project exhibits strong quality management practices that significantly contribute to its success. The study recommended that there is a need of conducting comprehensive resource assessment and mobilization, implementing consistent training programs, and enhancing quality control measures.