Construction Quality Management
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Construction Quality Assurance course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Acceptance Criteria #
The specific requirements that a product or deliverable must meet in order to be accepted by the customer or client. In Construction Quality Management, acceptance criteria are used to ensure that the construction work meets the required standards and specifications.
Commissioning #
The process of ensuring that a newly constructed or renovated building is fully functional, safe, and efficient. Commissioning includes testing and adjusting building systems, training building operators, and documenting system performance.
Construction Quality Management (CQM) #
A systematic approach to managing the quality of construction projects. CQM includes planning, controlling, and improving quality throughout the construction process, from design and procurement to construction and handover.
Defect Management #
The process of identifying, recording, analyzing, and resolving defects or deficiencies in construction work. Defect management is an important part of Construction Quality Management, as it helps to ensure that the construction work meets the required standards and specifications.
Design Review #
A systematic evaluation of the design of a construction project to ensure that it meets the required standards and specifications. Design reviews are typically conducted by a team of experts, including architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
Insurance #
A contract in which an insurance company agrees to provide financial compensation to an individual or organization in the event of certain types of losses or damages. In Construction Quality Management, insurance is used to manage risks associated with construction projects, such as property damage, personal injury, and construction defects.
Inspection and Testing #
The process of examining and testing construction work to ensure that it meets the required standards and specifications. Inspection and testing may be conducted by qualified inspectors, technicians, or third-party testing agencies.
ISO 9001 #
A quality management standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 9001 provides a framework for managing quality in organizations, including construction companies. The standard includes requirements for quality planning, control, and improvement.
Non #
Conformance: A failure to meet the required standards or specifications in construction work. Non-conformances may be identified during inspections, testing, or other quality control activities.
Performance Bond #
A type of insurance that guarantees the performance of a construction contractor. If the contractor fails to complete the work according to the contract, the performance bond provides financial compensation to the project owner.
Plan #
Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Cycle: A continuous improvement model that includes four stages: planning, doing, checking, and acting. The PDCA cycle is used in Construction Quality Management to manage quality throughout the construction process.
Quality Assurance (QA) #
A set of activities designed to ensure that the construction work meets the required standards and specifications. QA includes quality planning, control, and improvement.
Quality Control (QC) #
The process of monitoring and controlling the quality of construction work. QC includes inspection, testing, and non-conformance management.
Quality Management System (QMS) #
A set of policies, processes, and procedures designed to manage quality in an organization. A QMS includes quality planning, control, and improvement activities.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) #
A problem-solving technique used to identify the underlying causes of non-conformances or other quality issues in construction work. RCA involves analyzing data, identifying patterns, and developing corrective actions.
Subcontractor Management #
The process of managing the work of subcontractors on a construction project. Subcontractor management includes selecting, monitoring, and evaluating subcontractors to ensure that they meet the required standards and specifications.
Supply Chain Management #
The process of managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers in a construction project. Supply chain management includes procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
Sustainability #
The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In Construction Quality Management, sustainability includes considerations for environmental, social, and economic impacts of construction projects.
Total Quality Management (TQM) #
A management philosophy that emphasizes continuous improvement of all processes and systems in an organization. TQM includes a focus on customer satisfaction, teamwork, and data-driven decision making.
Value Engineering (VE) #
A systematic approach to improving the value of a construction project by reducing costs while maintaining or improving functionality. VE includes analyzing design, materials, and construction methods to identify opportunities for cost savings.
Variance Analysis #
The process of comparing actual results with planned results to identify differences or variations. Variance analysis is used in Construction Quality Management to identify opportunities for improvement and to prevent future variances.
Warranty Management #
The process of managing warranties for construction work. Warranty management includes tracking warranty claims, managing warranty repairs, and ensuring that warranties are fulfilled according to the terms of the contract.
In conclusion, Construction Quality Management is a complex field that requires… #
This glossary provides a comprehensive overview of the key terms and concepts in Construction Quality Management, including quality assurance, quality control, inspection and testing, non-conformance, and sustainability. By understanding these terms and concepts, construction professionals can improve the quality of their work, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.