Does ISO quality management system improve project performance in a construction project?

Ivan W. H. Fung, Vivian W. Y. Tam, Tommy Y. Lo

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Quality Management System (QMS) has received high level of attention in the construction industry over past decades. However, the effect of quality improvement in the construction projects is questionable. Clients have to clearly define their requirements to minimize the deviation between their expectations and outcomes that they desire. This paper examines quality performance of clients and consultant services in implementing QMS and its impacts on contractors and project management. Questionnaire survey and structured interview discussions were conducted to achieve the objective in this paper. The results show that quality performance of clients and consultant services in implementing QMS are generaily high, except the aspects of "less revisions of working drawings" and "high buildability and constructability of the design". It is also found that the implementation of ISO 9000 QMS will result in increase of the overall construction cost up to 25% and increase of workload in dealing with the required paperwork; however, no significant improvement is found on tbe construction progress. Results of this study provide valuable insight to the construction professionals on quality management and reinforced ISO 9000 as basis for laying a foundation for developing total quality management in the construction industry.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)53-60
    Number of pages8
    JournalNICMAR Journal of Construction Management
    Volume27
    Issue number2&3
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

    Keywords

    • construction
    • project management
    • project performance
    • quality management system
    • total quality management

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