Design Quality Management Activities

Abstract

Quality in the design phase is a primary consideration in the construction industry. The inability to define quality as it relates to all functions within engineering consulting offices has resulted in the unsuccessful implementation of quality improvement programs. The assessment of quality management practices is important for the implementation of total quality management in the construction industry. As a step towards this end, 38 engineering consulting offices were surveyed regarding their design quality management activities. These activities include: writing job descriptions of quality managers, documentation, training, communication, control of drawings and specifications, qualification of key personnel, design reviews, standardization of office procedures, availability of office library facilities, peer reviews, monitoring of schedules and costs, and incentive systems.