Managing information flows for quality improvement of projects

Purpose - A quality management system based-ISO 9001 focuses on confirming process conformance from the initial development of a product through production, test, installation and servicing. Information management has been a key factor affecting the effective implementation of the standard. The aim of this study is to explore management of information flows in quality assurance in project management. It is hoped to that it will be helpful in pursuing continuous quality improvement in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach - Based on the characteristics of the construction industry, this study designed an organizational structure with three levels, including firm, sub-firms and project departments. The paper examined the difficulties for the multi-level organizational structure in information transferring and feedback. Findings - It is found that there are information asymmetries in quality management from internal and external organizations. Internally, information asymmetry exists between contractor, subcontractors and suppliers; and externally, there is no information sharing mechanism between project departments. Information feedback is more difficult than information transferring in a construction firm. Practical implications - The construction industry has always been bedeviled with great difficulties in sharing information among its participants. Although many construction firms have claimed to be ISO 9000-certified, there is still missing an effective channel of information flow for quality management. Originality/value - The paper proposes reengineering current management strategy for establishing an information network for quality management. This study could help construction firms to effectively manage information flow to achieve continuous quality improvement.