The Principles of Quality Management in Construction
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Management in Construction course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Acceptance Criteria refer to the standards and requirements that must be… #
Related terms include acceptance testing, commissioning, and handover. Acceptance criteria are usually specified in the contract documents and may include factors such as quality, safety, and performance. For example, in a building construction project, the acceptance criteria might include the installation of a functional heating system, electrical systems, and plumbing systems.
Activity #
Based Costing is a method of assigning costs to activities or tasks within a construction project. Related terms include cost accounting, cost control, and budgeting. Activity-based costing involves identifying the specific activities that incur costs and assigning those costs to the relevant tasks. For instance, in a road construction project, the activities might include excavation, concrete pouring, and paving. The costs associated with each activity, such as labor, equipment, and materials, are then assigned to the relevant tasks.
Benchmarking is the process of comparing the performance of a c… #
Related terms include best practices, quality management, and continuous improvement. Benchmarking involves identifying key performance indicators, such as cost, time, and quality, and comparing them to industry standards or benchmarks. For example, a construction company might benchmark its project management processes against those of a similar company to identify areas for improvement.
Best Value is a procurement approach that involves selecting a contrac… #
Related terms include value for money, partnership contracting, and collaborative working. Best value procurement involves evaluating bids from contractors or suppliers based on a range of criteria, including price, quality, innovation, and sustainability. For instance, in a building construction project, the best value approach might involve evaluating bids from contractors based on their price, quality of work, and sustainability credentials.
Build #
Operate-Transfer is a project delivery method in which a private sector company designs, builds, and operates a facility or infrastructure project for a specified period. Related terms include public-private partnership, concession agreement, and privatization. Build-operate-transfer involves a private sector company financing, designing, and building a project, and then operating and maintaining it for a specified period, usually 10-30 years. For example, in a transportation project, a private sector company might design, build, and operate a toll road or bridge for a specified period.
Client Requirements refer to the needs and expectations of the … #
Related terms include stakeholder management, communication planning, and expectation management. Client requirements are usually specified in the contract documents and may include factors such as quality, safety, and functionality. For instance, in a building construction project, the client requirements might include the provision of a safe and healthy working environment, energy efficiency, and disabled access.
Commissioning is the process of testing and validating the syst… #
Related terms include testing, inspection, and handover. Commissioning involves checking that the systems and equipment are installed correctly, functioning as intended, and meeting the requirements specified in the contract documents. For example, in a building construction project, the commissioning process might involve testing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Configuration Management is the process of controlling and managing</i… #
Related terms include change management, version control, and baseline management. Configuration management involves identifying, documenting, and controlling changes to the design and configuration of the project, and ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and involved in the process. For instance, in a transportation project, the configuration management process might involve controlling changes to the design of the road or bridge.
Construction Management is a project delivery method in which a <b… #
Related terms include project management, contract administration, and site management. Construction management involves the construction manager coordinating and managing the construction process, including procurement, contract administration, and site management. For example, in a building construction project, the construction manager might be responsible for coordinating the subcontractors, managing the budget, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Continuity Planning is the process of developing and implementing … #
Related terms include risk management, business continuity, and crisis management. Continuity planning involves identifying potential risks and threats to the project, and developing plans to mitigate or respond to them. For instance, in a transportation project, the continuity planning process might involve developing plans to respond to a natural disaster or terrorist attack.
Contract Administration is the process of managing and administering</… #
Related terms include contract law, procurement, and dispute resolution. Contract administration involves managing the contract and ensuring that all parties comply with its terms and conditions. For example, in a building construction project, the contract administrator might be responsible for managing the contract, processing payments, and resolving disputes.
Cost #
Benefit Analysis is a method of evaluating the costs and benefits of a construction project. Related terms include cost estimation, benefit analysis, and value for money. Cost-benefit analysis involves identifying and quantifying the costs and benefits of a project, and evaluating whether the benefits outweigh the costs. For instance, in a transportation project, the cost-benefit analysis might involve evaluating the costs of building a new road or bridge against the benefits of improved safety and reduced congestion.
Customer Satisfaction is a measure of how well a construction proj… #
Related terms include quality management, client satisfaction, and stakeholder management. Customer satisfaction involves evaluating the performance of the project against the needs and expectations of the client or end-user, and identifying areas for improvement. For example, in a building construction project, the customer satisfaction process might involve conducting surveys or focus groups to evaluate the quality of the work and the level of satisfaction with the project.
Design #
Build is a project delivery method in which the designer and builder are the same entity. Related terms include design and construct, turnkey contracting, and single-source responsibility. Design-build involves the designer and builder working together as a single entity to design and build the project. For instance, in a building construction project, the design-build approach might involve the architect and contractor working together to design and build the project.
Design Management is the process of managing and coordinating the… #
Related terms include design coordination, design development, and design review. Design management involves managing the design process, including coordinating the design team, reviewing and approving designs, and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards. For example, in a transportation project, the design management process might involve coordinating the design of the road or bridge, and ensuring that it meets the requirements of the client and regulatory authorities.
Dispute Resolution is the process of resolving disputes or conf… #
Related terms include arbitration, mediation, and litigation. Dispute resolution involves identifying the cause of the dispute, and working with the parties involved to resolve the issue through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. For instance, in a building construction project, the dispute resolution process might involve resolving a dispute between the contractor and subcontractor over payment or scope of work.
Earned Value Management is a method of measuring the performance o… #
Related terms include cost control, schedule control, and performance measurement. Earned value management involves tracking the actual cost and progress of the project, and comparing it to the planned cost and schedule to identify any variances or deviations. For example, in a transportation project, the earned value management process might involve tracking the actual cost and progress of the project, and comparing it to the planned cost and schedule to identify any delays or cost overruns.
Energy Efficiency is the process of reducing the energy consumptio… #
Related terms include sustainability, green building, and energy conservation. Energy efficiency involves using technologies and strategies to reduce the energy consumption of a building or facility, such as insulation, double glazing, and renewable energy systems. For instance, in a building construction project, the energy efficiency process might involve installing solar panels or wind turbines to reduce the energy consumption of the building.
Environmental Impact Assessment is the process of evaluating the poten… #
Related terms include environmental sustainability, ecological impact, and regulatory compliance. Environmental impact assessment involves identifying and evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a project, such as air and water pollution, noise pollution, and habitat destruction. For example, in a transportation project, the environmental impact assessment process might involve evaluating the potential environmental impacts of building a new road or bridge, and identifying mitigation measures to reduce those impacts.
Facilities Management is the process of managing and maintaining a… #
Related terms include building management, property management, and operations management. Facilities management involves managing the day-to-day operations of a building or facility, including maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. For instance, in a building construction project, the facilities management process might involve managing the maintenance and repairs of the building, and ensuring that it remains safe and functional.
Handover is the process of transferring the ownership and respo… #
Related terms include completion, commissioning, and occupation. Handover involves transferring the ownership and responsibility for the project, including the systems and equipment, to the client, and ensuring that the client is aware of their responsibilities and obligations. For example, in a building construction project, the handover process might involve transferring the ownership of the building to the client, and providing training and support to the client on the operation and maintenance of the building.
Health and Safety Management is the process of managing and controllin… #
Related terms include risk management, hazard identification, and safety planning. Health and safety management involves identifying and assessing the health and safety risks associated with the project, and implementing controls and measures to mitigate those risks. For instance, in a building construction project, the health and safety management process might involve identifying and assessing the health and safety risks associated with the project, such as falls from heights, electrical shocks, and chemical exposure.
Information Management is the process of managing and controlling … #
Related terms include data management, document control, and communication planning. Information management involves managing the flow of information between the stakeholders involved in the project, including the client, contractor, and subcontractors. For example, in a transportation project, the information management process might involve managing the flow of information between the stakeholders involved in the project, including the design team, contractor, and subcontractors.
Inspection and Testing is the process of inspecting and testing… #
Related terms include quality control, quality assurance, and compliance testing. Inspection and testing involve inspecting and testing the work and materials used in the project to ensure that they meet the requirements specified in the contract documents. For instance, in a building construction project, the inspection and testing process might involve inspecting the work and materials used in the project, such as the foundations, frames, and finishes.
Integrated Project Delivery is a project delivery method that invo… #
Related terms include collaborative working, partnership contracting, and integrated teams. Integrated project delivery involves integrating the design, construction, and operation of the project, and encouraging collaboration and communication between the stakeholders involved. For example, in a building construction project, the integrated project delivery approach might involve integrating the design, construction, and operation of the project, and encouraging collaboration and communication between the architect, engineer, contractor, and client.
Life Cycle Costing is a method of evaluating the costs of a con… #
Related terms include cost estimation, whole-life costing, and life cycle assessment. Life cycle costing involves evaluating the costs of the project over its entire life cycle, including the initial investment, operating costs, and maintenance costs. For instance, in a building construction project, the life cycle costing process might involve evaluating the costs of the project over its entire life cycle, including the initial investment, energy costs, and maintenance costs.
Maintenance Management is the process of managing and maintaining … #
Related terms include facilities management, property management, and operations management. Maintenance management involves managing the day-to-day operations of a building or facility, including maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. For example, in a transportation project, the maintenance management process might involve managing the maintenance and repairs of the road or bridge, and ensuring that it remains safe and functional.
Partnering is a project delivery method that involves partnerin… #
Related terms include collaborative working, alliancing, and public-private partnership. Partnering involves partnering with other organizations or stakeholders to deliver the project, and sharing the risks and rewards of the project. For instance, in a building construction project, the partnering approach might involve partnering with the client, contractor, and subcontractors to deliver the project, and sharing the risks and rewards of the project.
Performance Measurement is the process of measuring and evaluating … #
Related terms include key performance indicators, benchmarking, and performance monitoring. Performance measurement involves measuring and evaluating the performance of the project against key performance indicators, such as cost, time, and quality. For example, in a transportation project, the performance measurement process might involve measuring and evaluating the performance of the project against key performance indicators, such as travel time, congestion, and safety.
Project Management is the process of managing and delivering a … #
Related terms include project planning, project control, and project closure. Project management involves managing the scope, schedule, budget, and quality of the project, and ensuring that it is delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality. For instance, in a building construction project, the project management process might involve managing the scope, schedule, budget, and quality of the project, and ensuring that it is delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality.
Quality Management is the process of managing and controlling the… #
Related terms include quality control, quality assurance, and total quality management. Quality management involves managing and controlling the quality of the project, including the design, construction, and operation of the project. For example, in a transportation project, the quality management process might involve managing and controlling the quality of the project, including the design, construction, and operation of the road or bridge.
Risk Management is the process of identifying, assessing , and m… #
Related terms include risk assessment, risk analysis, and risk mitigation. Risk management involves identifying and assessing the risks associated with the project, and implementing controls and measures to mitigate those risks. For instance, in a building construction project, the risk management process might involve identifying and assessing the risks associated with the project, such as falls from heights, electrical shocks, and chemical exposure, and implementing controls and measures to mitigate those risks.
Safety Management is the process of managing and controlling the <… #
Related terms include safety planning, hazard identification, and risk management. Safety management involves managing and controlling the safety risks associated with the project, including the health and safety of the workers and public. For example, in a transportation project, the safety management process might involve managing and controlling the safety risks associated with the project, including the health and safety of the workers and public, and implementing controls and measures to mitigate those risks.
Scheduling is the process of creating and managing a schedule</… #
Related terms include project scheduling, time management, and resource allocation. Scheduling involves creating and managing a schedule for the project, including the sequence of activities, start and finish dates, and resource allocation. For instance, in a building construction project, the scheduling process might involve creating and managing a schedule for the project, including the sequence of activities, such as excavation, foundation work, and superstructure construction.
Stakeholder Management is the process of managing and engaging wit… #
Related terms include communication planning, stakeholder analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Stakeholder management involves managing and engaging with the stakeholders involved in the project, including the client, contractor, subcontractors, and public. For example, in a transportation project, the stakeholder management process might involve managing and engaging with the stakeholders involved in the project, including the client, contractor, subcontractors, and public, and ensuring that their needs and expectations are met.
Supply Chain Management is the process of managing and controlling … #
Related terms include procurement, logistics, and inventory management. Supply chain management involves managing and controlling the supply chain for the project, including the procurement of materials and equipment, logistics, and inventory management. For instance, in a building construction project, the supply chain management process might involve managing and controlling the supply chain for the project, including the procurement of materials and equipment, such as steel, concrete, and mechanical systems.
Sustainability is the process of managing and reducing the envi… #
Related terms include environmental sustainability, green building, and energy efficiency. Sustainability involves managing and reducing the environmental impacts of the project, including the use of resources, waste management, and pollution control. For example, in a transportation project, the sustainability process might involve managing and reducing the environmental impacts of the project, including the use of resources, such as energy and water, and waste management.
Value Engineering is a method of evaluating and improving the v… #
Related terms include value analysis, cost reduction, and performance improvement. Value engineering involves evaluating and improving the value of the project, including the cost, quality, and performance of the project. For instance, in a building construction project, the value engineering process might involve evaluating and improving the value of the project, including the cost, quality, and performance of the project, and identifying opportunities for cost reduction and performance improvement.
Warranty Management is the process of managing and administering t… #
Related terms include warranty administration, guarantee management, and defects liability.