PROJECT QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN HIGH RISE BUILDING PROJECT 

A CASE STUDY OF DIAMOND ISLAND PROJECT, DISTRICT 2, HCM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRYTY, VIETNAM

By

Chau Anh Tuan

Abstract

             

Buildings are becoming higher and higher nowadays in Vietnam. In particularly, Ho-Chi-Minh construction industry has been modernized with several landmarks high-rise buildings. Construction of residential and office developments can be considered as the heart of the construction industry. Because if it’s huge consumption of labor, material suppliers, subcontractors and also the involvements of multimillion investments due to its inherent nature of works. Investors keen to build all necessary faction industry within their developments. The reason is the target gain maximum return from their investment (IRR) within shortest duration. Thus, investors are very vigilant on common project objectives, such as Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety and Environment, (QCDSE). Such that investors expect contractors to complete their building projects within stipulated timeline and budget without diminishing the environmental and safety standard. 

However, in the construction industry, all stakeholders more concentrate on their usual activities that often very traditional way of working.  Therefore, they may have no attention on modern theories and practices that can be gained from textbooks or literature. As a result, their organization may have missed the benefits that can be acquired from the adaptation of Total Quality Management (TQM) system. Hence, the purpose of this thesis is to explore more suitable TQM system that can be adopted for the construction of high-rise residential building.

Executive summary

Rationale of research

This research has been conducted to identify Quality Management factors in High rise building Construction in Vietnam.

Objectives of study

To study best practices in project quality management in construction industry with focus on Dimond Island Project, Discussion on the strengths and weakness and provide recommendation to develop framework that is applicable in Diamond Island projects.

Methodology  

The exploratory research method is used to study Project Quality Management system in construction industry of Vietnam.

.Findings and conclusion

Vietnam. In particularly, Ho-Chi-Minh construction industry has been modernized with several landmarks high-rise buildings. Construction of residential and office developments can be considered as the heart of the construction industry. Investors keen to build all necessary faction industry within their developments. The reason is the target gain maximum return from their investment (IRR) within shortest duration. Thus, investors are very vigilant on common project objectives, such as Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety and Environment, (QCDSE). The quality management system or Total Quality Management (TQM) system is very important for project success. The ultimate goal of Diamond Island project is to deliver a high level of quality to customers. By this, the BTA Company means not only the quality of its built products and service outcomes, but also the quality of the way in which they are delivered, safety and responsibly. However, the quality management system has not been properly developed base on ISO 9000 system at Diamond Island Project. Understanding how this process was going practice and the weak points would help to propose recommendations to improve the quality management system at Diamond Island project.

o   Project Quality Management system at Diamond Island project was studied reviewed base on evaluation criteria. The studying results were determined, displayed and described. The results of this studying will be used to propose a framework for improvement the quality management system.

o   In light of this studying of Diamond Island’s quality management system. The results of studying found that there are some gaps between the current quality management system and implementation on site.  The management team at Diamond Island can take steps to review, modify and improve the overall effectiveness of quality management system. This study found that there six main weakness points of the quality management system at Diamond Island project as follows:

1.      Lack of employee involvement in quality improvement

2.      Not using conditions of contract in relation to ISO 9000 qualifying criteria

3.      Lack of self-assessment and bench marking to identify the improvement opportunities (employee appraisal + ISO Criteria)

4.      Lack of Quality management system objective and policy

5.      Lack of Project Management contract concept

6.      Lack of Quality system standards

o    By filtering what have been gathered in Diamond Island’s quality management system, the critical attributes that cause the significant deficiencies and therefore need to be improved. Top management must have a commitment and take the leadership role to define the scope of works.The leaders will provide the policy, role, and responsibilities; define critical success factors and KPIs. The quality management system (QMS), core procedures, records and process will be developed base on ISO standard. We should deploy and empower staff capabilities and provide training of tools and methods. Planning for implementation the TQM system and establish a TQM work environment and culture.The leader should manage critical process and performance, suggest the improvement, and execute planned actions and positive changes. Furthermore, he needs to implement the corrective, protective actions and standardize improved QMS and practices. During all process the promotion and motivation should be carried out and recognize it. At last, measure results, audit, management review, benchmark achievements and feedback is a key element to check whether QMS/TQM have been implemented effectively in order to improve the system and fulfilled the existing gaps.