Aoieong, R T; Tang, S L and Ahmed, S M (2002) A process approach in measuring quality costs of construction projects: Model development. Construction Management and Economics, 20(2), pp. 179-192. ISSN 01446193
Abstract
One of the most effective tools for evaluating the success of a quality management programme is the measurement of quality costs (prevention, appraisal and failure costs). The application of the concept of quality costs originated in the manufacturing industry in the early 1950s. As increasing attention has been given to improving the overall quality in the construction process since the early 1980s, the application of total quality management (TQM) practices in the construction industry has gained much popularity. A systematic approach is needed for measuring quality costs, especially in the construction industry, due to the great number and complexity of activities involved in a typical project. This paper describes how a simple methodology can be used to capture quality costs in construction projects. Pre-existing models for capturing construction quality costs, by Davis, by Abdul-Rahman, by Low and Yeo and by others, recognize quality cost components but do not address the causes or sources of unwanted deviations. This paper proposes an alternative approach, based on the process cost model and in conformance with BS6143 (1992), which is thought to better facilitate the fundamental goal of TQM, i.e. continual process improvement. A number of professionals involved in construction quality management were interviewed and responded favourably to the practicality of the proposed framework in the construction context.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction; process cost model; quality costs; quality management; TQM |
| Index terms: | cost model, construction project, construction process, methodology, construction quality, complexity, appraisal, model development, total quality management, process improvement, programme, manufacturing industry, prevention, quality management, construction industry, deviation |
| Subjects: | financial and cost management, analytical methods, evaluation methods, production management, financial risk, management, factor and component analysis, research methods, industry analysis, quality assurance, systems engineering, project controls, building construction |
| Topics: | Site Management, Time Control, Quality Management, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Research Practice, Cost Management, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here