Quality management is applicable throughout the project life cycle — from initiation through planning, execution, monitoring and control, until project closeout.
If we consider a typical construction project, it will have various functions, viz. Design, Planning & Project Control, Execution, Accounts & Administration, Environment, Health & Safety, Quality Assurance & Quality Control, and Plant and Machinery, as applicable to the scope of the project. Quality management is relevant to all these functions, and the extent of its application depends on the processes involved and their importance and relevance.This article focuses on the quality management system within the Quality function, comprising quality assurance and quality control.
The basic definition of ‘Quality’ is “degree of excellence.” Generally, the quality of a product is expressed using subjective terms like good, better, best, bad, worst, etc. In construction projects, we assess the quality of a product by verifying its compliance with the requirements stated in the project’s technical specifications, drawings, contract documents, and applicable codes and standards — a more objective approach to determining the product’s quality standard.We say a product is quality-compliant if it meets all the requirements stated in the project specifications. This implies 100% quality has been achieved. As project requirements vary due to the unique nature of each project, the criteria for measuring quality compliance will also vary.
There is always scope for improving the quality of a product through process enhancements. Measuring and monitoring, risk identification and analysis, audit findings, reviews, and lessons learned all provide inputs for process improvements.
Broadly, construction projects where the quality function is effectively managed implement, but are not limited to, the following:
- Project quality plans, activity method statements, and inspection and test plans.
- Deployment of a team of trained QA/QC engineers overseeing the quality process. At the project level, quality is everyone’s responsibility. The quality team supports the execution team in achieving a quality product.
- Preparation and implementation of activity-specific method statements, with communication of these requirements to engineers and front-line supervisors through quality pep talks, trainings, and on-site demonstrations/mock-ups.
- Material source approvals done in advance to avoid material quality issues upon receipt at site.
- Incoming material inspections before acceptance.
- Material and product quality inspections in in-house and external laboratories at specified frequencies.
- Execution of activities strictly in compliance with site-specific method statements.
- Establishment of laboratories equipped with the required machines for quality control tests.
- Ensuring calibration of measuring and monitoring instruments to eliminate the possibility of errors.
- Process checks as per the Inspection & Test Plan at various stages.
- Final product checks before handover to the next stage.
- Activity-specific mock-ups and benchmarking involving stakeholders to demonstrate that by following the defined process, using the right sequence of activities and materials, the final product will meet quality expectations without defects.
- Ensuring the right tools are used for the activity.
- Use of advanced measuring and monitoring tools like digital line and level instruments, digital gauges, etc., to improve inspection accuracy.
- Periodical reviews by the project manager to assess the project’s quality performance.
- Quality audits to evaluate process and product compliance.
In construction, the quality of the product largely depends on the skill set of workmen — and acquiring a skilled workforce is a major challenge. Therefore, it is essential to train workmen, induct them into project-specific requirements, and evaluate the effectiveness of training by verifying the quality of work.
Many project sites have dedicated quality training rooms for both staff and workmen. Since pictorial displays are an effective way of communication, it is a good idea to present activity requirements, dos and don’ts in pictorial form and in regional languages to ensure better understanding among the workforce. The purpose of these trainings is to instill a culture of “Do it right the first time, and every time.”
Mechanization of processes also helps in reducing defects, improving product quality, and speeding up the work.
Some of the major benefits of effectively implementing quality assurance and control processes include:
- Consistent quality of the product
- Reduction in reworks and rectifications, thereby reducing costs
- Minimization of delays due to quality issues
- Enhanced customer satisfaction, leading to repeat orders and business growth
On the other hand, if quality assurance and quality control processes are not effectively managed, it can lead to a breakdown of the organization’s quality management system, increased reworks, cost and time overruns, customer dissatisfaction, and ultimately, negative impacts on overall business.
Effective construction quality management is key to delivering the best quality product, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving business growth.
References
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/product-quality-standards
2.
https://www.mastercontrol.com/gxp-lifeline/quality-audit-tools-compliance
3. https://blog.reconstructinc.com/construction-quality-control-4-benefits-of-remote-qa/qc
5. https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/project-scope-statement
6. https://www.projectmanagement.com/wikis/399992/what-is-a-project-
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