Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Quality Management System for Consultant Supervision of a Building Construction Project


The aim of the quality management system is to create high quality products, meet the customers’ need, fit for use or purpose and conform to requirements. Quality in construction projects is not only the quality of product and equipment used in the construction of a facility but the total management approach to complete the facility. The quality of construction depends mainly upon the control of construction. The construction cost and time of delivery are also important characteristics of quality.

In Vietnam, the quality management system, ISO 9000 and Total Quality Management, is also applied in construction field. ISO 9000 and Total Quality Management are considered as the most effective ways of quality managing. However, in recent years, when Vietnam adapted the international integration policy, both public and private sectors have also invested in Vietnam. Due to competition, many contractors bid at a very low cost just to get the project, thus, suffering the quality. Many completed projects have many defects especially high-rise buildings. Therefore, quality control system of the consultant is strongly necessary for both owner and contractor to assure quality and prevent any unexpected hazards.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Dung made a case study which main objectives were to: (i) know the quality management system of consultant supervision to manage construction works of a building project; and (ii) analyze the strength, weakness and problem.


Quality management system of consultant supervision is to manage implementation of quality management system in construction works by contractor as well as to ensure the quality of construction works complying with specification, and standard requirements. Both consultant and contractor control the quality of construction project to meet and satisfy client requirements as well as all contractual requirements at optimum cost and time.

This case study was performed aimed to control the construction measures which are related with quality control. This quality control is conducted based on the Vietnam standard and regulation. These provide contributions to comply importance standards and regulations which directly affect quality control in construction.

The quality management system in my company was based on the ISO 9001:1994 requirement system. The major issues of quality control are managing of incoming materials, monitoring and controlling of production process, testing and commissioning of the finished product. The system includes:

1. An organization structure, responsibility and authority in quality management system
2. Scope of supervision consultant process
3. Project procedure implementations
- Document system and data control
- Process control
- Inspection, testing, measuring and test equipment
- Inspection and test status
- Control of Non-conforming product and corrective and prevent action
- Control of quality records
- Internal quality audits
- Training

Furthermore, the case study also set up the communication process of managing quality and communication channel between the owner, supervising consultant, designing consultant and contractor to solve problems at the site.  The purpose is to solve quality issues concerning construction projects. Besides, documentations and data records for quality activities have also been mentioned. A model for managing quality has been defined and shown to apply to any construction project. The model involves multi-levels quality management participation, including contractors, engineers, and managers. It describes the quality management tasks and the roles supposing in a system relating construction quality control, quality assurance, and the interface between them. The report also shows the understanding of how quality management is implementation and engages participants at several management levels.

The quality management system functions as practiced in building construction. A system method to quality management, which emphasizes the main quality activities, has been reported. The case study also shows quality issues and QMS procedure, implementation problems regarded to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, problems and proposal possible recommendation of solutions to achieve quality and timely progress. However, due to limited time, the report only discusses about consultant supervision in controlling quality management system of a contractor in construction phase. There is remaining of time control, cost control which are very important of project in construction phase.

Strength

1. For quality policy and QMS

- The QMS implemented based on ISO9001 quality approval system with clear organization structure of each member. Project quality plan provides details on company policies and specific requirements of the project. System procedures state how the company policies are to be implemented, what is to be done and who has to do it. Obtaining and maintaining ISO9001 accreditation is a confirmation of top management’s commitment to the customer that a first class service shall be provided jointly by the project.

- The primary goals are to exceed the standards and requirements stipulated by our Clients in terms of quality, time and cost efficiency. The project is treated as if our own, and take great satisfaction and pride in the achievement of these goals.

2. For document, data control and project communication

- Project document are controlled in accordance with company system procedures to ensure the registration, distribution, security, accuracy.

- All incoming and outgoing documents are reviewed for accuracy and adequacy prior to issue and distribution to all relevant parties.

- Project manager shall always ensure that obsolete documents are not used for construction purpose. Invalid and/or obsolete documents shall be removed from the relevant sets of documents unless they are retained for legal and/ or knowledge preservation purposes in which case they shall be clearly identified as a Superseded document.

- Project communication: a clearly system used for this project for internal and external relevant parties. All project information shall be put in daily file and sent circular to all project staffs to read to update and get information to perform project effectively.

3. For construction control and quality control

- Construction management control will be achieved through programming activities. Based on the “For Construction” program including mile stone date, the supervision consultant will check and control detailed programs for each section of works called short term programs.

- Construction control will be achieved through the use of inspection and test plans that detail or reference the required standards to be achieved under contract. Inspection and testing will be carried out on this project to verify that the specified requirements for the product are met

- An non-conformance report will be used to record non-conformities. All non-conformances will be identified and monitored by project quality assurance manager.

Recommendation for further study

1. In order to achieve the efficient of the Quality management System, the responsibility, fulfill task of each member should be clearly identified.

2. Top Management commitment includes:
 - Establishing the quality policy to comply with requirement and continuous improvement.
- Establishing quality objective to meet product requirements
- Reviewing the quality management systems to maintain progress
- Ensuring necessary resource
- Measuring customer satisfaction at all levels

3. Continuous improvements the effectiveness of quality management system through:
- Quality policy
- Objectives
- Audit results
- Data analysis
- Corrective and preventive action
- Management review

4. Focus on the customer and the employee

5. Everybody’s participation into quality management implementation

His thesis abstract is copied and pasted below.


The report applies Quality Management System (QMS) ISO 9000 for project management and consultant supervision of a building construction project. It express the key issues in Quality Management System for supervision consultants and contractors. The report describes the quality management system with clear responsibilities of personnel and the role in a plan relating to quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement in construction project. Therefore, the role of supervision consultant is very important to ensure the project to achieve and meet with client requirements.

The report methodology is highlighted as the main philosophy which refers to the theories, local standards system and International Standard Organization ISO 9000. Moreover, the report also collects different source of data including company quality management system, project documents, project agencies, newspapers, construction law and standards in Vietnam. As a result, the study has shown the factors that most effect to project quality plan and the key issues to control project quality and quality management system framework for consultant supervision of a building in construction phase.

In this study, a quality management system of supervision consultant is established. This helps supervision consultant to control quality management system, procedure and implementation to ensure high quality product to meet customer’s requirements, expectations and definition of quality. Furthermore, the study also analysis the strength points, weakness points, quality problems for continuous improvement process to achieve higher demand of customer.






8 comments:

Eduexam Software said...

eduExam is custom Online Examination Software to help examiners conduct tests and exams for student or employee a crosses globally. EduExam is a very powerful educational softwares for e-Learning and online education. EduExam is a blessing for both - the creators and the takers of the tests. The excellent analytical reports make quality improvement in organizations now at your fingertips.

Unknown said...

Hello,I love reading through your blog, I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts.
Partywear suit

Unknown said...

Education is taking a new dimension in terms of learning or acquiring knowledge.There are e-learning tools available online with free online learning. Training-online is providing such a service. For more details contact us.

Unknown said...

nice blog !! thanks for sharing the information about iso consultants

Anonymous said...


Tag: PM205A53. Let me share all of you about #5 Tips for Project Management Success,, I hope you enjoy it

1. Plan your day using time management techniques

As a project manager, time management skills are essential because you are dealing with a wide range of tasks that demand a quick turnaround time. Planning your day will go a long way in keeping you organized and increasing your productivity. Assist your task planning by using project management software which helps you track the work of you and your team.

If you are not very tech savvy, a simple to-do list can also be a great organizational tool. Prioritize your most important tasks by putting them at the top of the list and less important ones at the bottom. Having a visual plan of your daily tasks helps to keep you on track and aware of time.

Related post: Free ebook 104 secrets to become a great project manager

2. Include stakeholders in important project conversations

While you will have plenty of responsibilities regarding the project, don’t neglect your clients.

Good communication is essential is keeping both parties informed of project progression, curtailing scope creep, and apprised of changing requirements. Some clients may have different expectations when it comes to communication, so make sure to establish the frequency and type of communication (like emails, phone calls, and face-to-face conversations) at the beginning of your project.

Establishing communication expectations early helps alleviate stakeholder uncertainty about communication frequency and delivery.

3. Regularly communicate with your team

Daily team communication helps keep misunderstandings and unclear requirements under control. Keeping your team informed in every step of the project is essential to project management success.

For example, a study published by Procedia Technology found that good communication skills were the cornerstone of project management. The study examined over 300 “construction project managers, architects, construction managers, engineers and quantity surveyors” and their successes and failures on various construction projects.

4. Anticipate project setbacks

Even the best-laid plans often go awry.

Remember that even with a high amount of planning and attention to detail, your project may still encounter some challenges. Pay attention to complaints from stakeholders or colleagues, and other warning signs, like a missed deadline or cost overrun, that there may be a problem.

Preventing a crisis will keep your project running smoothly, save you a lot of time, and keep you, your team, and your stakeholders confident in progressing with the project.

Unfortunately not every complication can be avoided. Crisis management skills are essential for dealing with the unexpected. Project managers need to be flexible and pragmatic. Improvise and make sharp decisions when needed.

Related post: 92 free project management templates

5. Stay focused on the details

A common problem project managers encounter is having the project aims not aligned with the organization’s objectives. A great project manager will strategize a plan for the project to lead back to the overall success of the business.

Know your project’s scope by heart and avoid wandering outside of the project’s requirements. It’s too easy to get lost in minor details and forget what your focus is, so a well-planned project scope is essential for success.

And final, you should use KPI to measure effectiveness of the project, here are full list: 76 project management KPIs



Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing nice information. Find best qms solution in Dubai.

Amith Sharma said...

Thanks for sharing, I will bookmark and be back again

ISO 9001 Certification

Easy Shiksha said...

Thanks for sharing such amazing content which is very helpful for us. Please keep sharing like this. Also check for Quality Management System Course or many more.