PROJECT MANAGEMENT OPTION - NEW HOUSE CONSTRUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The quality management concept in any project is mainly used to ensure that the minimum required quality level of the particular product or service is achieved. In the construction industry, the quality management concept ensures that the quality of the construction processes and works is maintained and that it meets the minimum required standard so as to ensure customers satisfaction and that would enhance the overall competitive performance in the long-term (Tan, 2005).
PROCESS SELECTION
The project management selection of constructing and moving into a new house as well as selling the old house will be integral in expounding on the concept of quality management in construction projects.According to Harris (2001), quality management is critical in providing the necessary environment in which there would be an effective deployment of tools, techniques and procedures that would lead to a successful construction project. The quality management process involves continuous improvement and as such the major improvements I would make is to increase the size of the new house to 2400 sq. feet with stone exterior as compared to the existing house which is quite smaller at 1400 sq. feet with vinyl exterior. A strong emphasis in use of modern technology in terms of construction methods, materials, machines as well as skilled labor would enhance the quality of the new house construction project.
CUSTOMER ANALYSIS
The quality management process in any construction project involves both internal and external stakeholders. The main internal customers are mainly involved in ensuring that process of quality management is adhered during the whole construction process while external customers are the targeted recipients of quality products emanating from the construction process.
The main internal quality stakeholders involved in the construction project include; Architect/designer whose responsibility is in providing quality drawings and specifications meeting the owners requirements, Structural engineers whose responsibility responsible in provision of quality scientific knowledge that would solve any construction related problem during construction, General Contractor with the responsibility of overseeing the overall success of the entire project in terms of quality assurance, Field inspector whose responsible for reviewing the design criteria prior to the construction process and ensure compliance to proper quality codes in the area is adhered to, Material suppliers who are responsible for providing quality construction materials at each stage of the construction process, Specialty trade contractors who provide the necessary manpower during the construction process and ensure that the construction process they undertake adheres to the drawings and specifications.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROCESS
The quality management process involves planning and controlling the overall performance and execution of the project. This quality management process plays a vital role in the entire project management process which involves; ProjectInitiation, Project Planning, Project Execution, Project Monitoring and Control, and Closure.Quality management process in any construction activity is mainly aimed at ensuring that the product or process provided meet the specific quality specifications that are satisfactory and fiscally sound. The quality control team in the construction process is mainly tasked with identification of any product or process that does not meet the minimum standard of quality. If any quality control issue is identified the team may temporarily stop the construction process (Wise Geek)
Factors that influence the quality control process
a. Manpower
Human labor plays an integral part in the construction process and the overall quality coupled with the individual ability of the manpower used determines to a great extent the quality of all construction activities. According to Cheng Hu (2004) human labor is considered as part of the controlled target as well as controlling drive of the quality activities involved across the entire construction project management process. The main factors within the manpower that affects the overall quality of the construction process includes the individual's skills and knowledge, physical and psychological conditions, level of quality consciousness and professional ethics.
b. Machines & Equipment
The construction equipment and machinery plays an integral part in any construction process and has a direct impact of the overall progress and quality of the construction project. The quality control process ensures that the proper type and performance parameters of the equipment's and machinery used in the construction process should match the conditions present on the construction site as well as the construction technology utilized in the industry (Liang 2004).
The contractor should ensure that the construction equipment and machinery selected should have a reliable performance in terms of safety, production applicability to the specific construction project and should meet the minimum technological specifications current at that time. The equipment's performance characteristics should meet the minimum quality assurance requirements of the construction process. In addition to this, the construction equipment selected should be matched and adapted for use by the operational workers at the construction site.
c. Materials
In order to ensure and enhance the quality process, the type of materials, its conditioning and quality forms an integral part in the construction process. The main components of quality control in terms of material used include; procurement of the material, testing of the material and material storage/usage.
The contractor should ensure that the construction materials procured is based upon the following considerations; the engineering characteristics, scope of its application, the construction requirements and contracts, price and performance of the materials. Procurement of the material should be conducted in advance with regard to the construction schedule prepared at the planning stage.
The materials procured should also meet the minimum quality requirements as specified in the procurement contract. A sample of the materials to be obtained should be tested and compared with the quality standards present through sampling inspection. To avoid any quality issues brought about by material deterioration, proper storage facilities as well as usage should be established. The contractor should avoid any overstocking of materials on-site and ensure strict inspection and supervision of onsite use of the materials.
d. Methods
The construction methodsused is mainly detailed at the planning stage as well as the execution stage of the construction project. The construction project plan in terms of the methods to be used should be refined as the project progresses. The construction methods selected should meet the technical solutions and process testing adopted by the contractor.