History and Findings of ACEC Peer Review Program

Abstract

This paper is intended to review the history and findings of the American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC) peer review program from its beginning in 1984 to 1996. The research basis is the experience of the writer, who has assessed data provided by ACEC peer review coordinator and participated in approximately 20 reviews, informal conversations with other reviewers, conversations with members of the ACEC peer review committee, and, last but not least, interviews with managers of the reviewed firms. The purpose and objectives of the program are presented and discussed along with findings. Although the paper concentrates on the ACEC peer review program there are several other programs and types of peer reviews that will be mentioned.