A communication system approach to the management of quality in construction

• Main Author: Bamisile, Ayodele
• Published: Open University 1991
• Subjects: 670; Industrial processes & manufacturing processes
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.316965

An understanding of the factors surrounding the achievement of specified quality requirements is imperative and hence a prerequisite for effective management of quality by the construction team. To this end, the research is concerned with identifying, with a high degree of certainty associated with the data, the cause and effect of quality problems directly related-to the site production process and to establish, quantitatively, the relative importance of the factors. Six hypotheses were postulated and their verification was based on balanced and honest conclusions drawn from the data analyses. Five of the six hy 3po thesesa re supported by the data. Therefore, they become explanatory theories for the management of quality in construction. As part of a literature survey, a critical review of the previous works was made and the current state of the art was identified. Based on the knowledge gained from the literature survey, three detailed case studies were made of construction projects in the South East of England, utilising different procurement methods. The case studies, in conjunction with the literature review, were used to develop conceptual models which in turn were used for structuring a detailed questionnaire intended to extend the research throughout England in order to achieve a sufficiently large category proportion'. The responses to the questionnaires were scientifically analysed and statistically validated. The data analysis results in the identification of 30 factors which are expressed as the causes of non-conformance to specified quality requirements. The relative importance of each factor was established. Therefore, a large cloud has been removed and the construction team can now direct their limited resources effectively. The second objective of the research was accomplished with the successful development of a new Quality System entitled "Quality Communication System" (QCS). The implementation of the QCS approach to the management of quality in construction will result in achieving conformance to specified quality requirements at first attempt, lower costs and increased productivity in the construction industry. The research outcome is a significant contribution to the management of quality in the construction process. The outcome is perceived to represent an advance in knowledge associated with construction management.