ABSTRACT
ISO and TQM systems were introduced to the Zambian construction industry in the late 1990s. One of the projects implementing these two quality systems was the COSAC project which involved the development of a mine processing plant by ISO and TQM foreign contractors. It was expected that ISO and TQM quality standards-based skills would be transferred to the Zambian contractors working with quality certified foreign contractors thereafter. However, from 1998 to 2022, it is unknown if these quality management skills have been transferred to Zambia contractors that have worked with quality certified contractors. This study used four cases of projects undertaken by quality certified foreign contractors to establish levels of skills transferred and lessons learnt by local Zambian contractors derived from working with these foreign contractors. Through questionnaires and interviews, the study revealed low levels of awareness and no adoption of quality standards among Zambian local contractors.
