PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES OF CALIBRATION SERVICE PROVISION: THE CASE OF THE NATIONAL METROLOGY INSTITUTE OF ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Experiences and research findings have depicted that a fully functional NMI is essential for maintaining national standards and improvement of calibration service in any country. The purpose of this study was to assess the practice and challenges of calibration service provision in NMIE. More specifically, the study tried to assess the extent of contribution of calibration services provided by NMIE to the overall performance of the firms and able to assist them in product and process quality; the extent of availability of the necessary resources that could promote the provision of calibration services in NMIE; the extent of stakeholders engaged in the activities being performed by NMIE; and identified the major challenges that affect the provision of calibration services in NMIE. In the study, both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were employed and data was collected using closed-ended and open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. To analyse the quantitative data, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The qualitative data was analysed through coding, transcription, putting into categories and Themes, and discussed. Finally, the results of the quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated to come up with the findings. The findings showed that the overall achievement of the provision of the calibration service of NMIE was found to be satisfactory. In general, results revealed that inadequate knowledge management, poor resource allocation, lack of equipment utilization as well as frequent failure, and inefficient maintenance activities have retarded the implementation of NMIE. In connection with these findings, it was recommended that NMIE need to improve coordination and provide resources to overcome the barriers that prevent the NMIE to perform its activities in an effective manner.