Aoieong, Raymond Taiman (2004) Capturing quality costs of construction processes using the construction process cost model (CPCM). PhD thesis, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
Abstract
The concept of using quality costs as a tool to measure improvement originated in the manufacturing industry. It has been traditionally viewed as one of the most effective ways for evaluating the success of a quality management system, but the complexity of construction projects makes direct application of this concept rather difficult. In this thesis the author describes how the concept of quality costs can be used, in a practical manner, as a tool to measure improvement in construction projects. A detailed account of the existing quality cost models applied to construction projects together with their strengths and weaknesses is presented. After a careful review of these existing models, a comprehensive hypothetical Prevention-Appraisal-Failure quality cost model (HPAFM) for application in construction projects was suggested by the author. This model was presented to the industry through in-depth interviews with leading contractors in Hong Kong. Valuable knowledge and insight on the feasibility and practicality of HPAFM were obtained. The consensus was that straight implementation of HPAFM might not be possible mainly because of the existing practice of multi-level contracting in the construction industry and because of the tremendous resources involved in data collection. Lessons learned from the interviews with contractors led to a search for an alternative approach to HPAFM. A Construction Process Cost Model (CPCM), based on Part 1 of the British Standard BS 6143 - Process cost model (PCM), was proposed by the author for further study. CPCM is the name given for PCM when applied to construction. Based on an extensive literature review, the author believes that this is the first application of PCM to the construction industry. Positive comments regarding the feasibility and practicality of CPCM were received from the industry. It was concluded that this newly proposed CPCM was more flexible than HPAFM. The testing of CPCM on construction sites and design offices was carried out in four projects—three construction projects and one design project—in order to validate its applicability. CPCM was concluded to be both feasible and practical for measuring the performance and improvement of construction projects. In addition, the use of CPCM for measuring process costs could be a tool for fulfilling certain requirements stipulated in the quality management system, ISO 9000. The study of the role of Construction Process Cost Model on quality management systems reveals that having the correct tool to control and measure is only the first step towards a successful implementation of a quality management programme. In general, the “natural” quality culture existing in the construction industry is in constant conflict with the “good” quality culture advocated by researchers. The continual commitment from top management to create a good quality culture is therefore essential and vital to both the implementation and the maintenance of any quality management system.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Tang, S L |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | complexity; culture; failure; construction project; construction site; manufacturing; quality management; Hong Kong; interview |
| Index terms: | lessons learned, appraisal, complexity, construction process, top management, construction project, cost model, commitment, manufacturing industry, construction site, literature review, programme, ISO, interview, implementation, prevention, construction industry, testing, quality management, quality management system, Hong Kong |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, standards development, work location, psychology, project delivery, financial and cost management, data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements, professional practice, factor and component analysis, management, financial risk, professional development, Geography, production management, building construction, project controls, systems engineering, quality assurance, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Site Management, Organizational Design, Time Control, Information Management, Research Practice, Cost Management, Quality Management, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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