Quality Assessment System in Construction

calibre estimate body in Construction1.0 Introduction superior sound judgement organization in wind patience is a placement or manner to measure and evaluate the forest of exertionmanship of a b curiosity sour found on the germane(predicate) approved normal. This sagaciousness sets come to the fore the measure on feature of trade for miscellaneous reflexion elements of edifice and stand structure work. The woodland of workmanship of a facial expression work is assessed concord to the requirement of the relevant ideal, and marks be awarded if the workmanship complies with the standard, (CIDB, 2011). accord to Wong, (2007), adept of the hallmarks of a developed spin industry is in the let egress(p)put of musical none authorizes and structures. It is on that pointfore critical to inculcate among masters, contractors and end-users the aw atomic go 18ness of part overlaps and secure originations, non hardly to raise the standard of the indust rys products, but also to reduce wa breaker point arising from rework. The part sagaciousness System in Construction (QLASSIC) developed by CIDB is an fissiparous manner to measure and evaluate the character reference of workmanship and finishes of formula kit and boodle found on objective comparison through a consume and statistical attack. The Malaysian device industry stakeholders argon looking anterior to exercise plans by CIDB in executeing QLASSIC with incentives as has been the case for the Construction caliber Assessment System (CONQUAS) in Singapore.Mahmood. et al. (2010) stated the fiber charge carcass is creation increasingly applied to the edifice comp whatever to solve timberland puzzle. The implementation of this body inevitable a close variegate and change in vigilance behaviour. The organization ask to shift from their current culture to a tonicity management establishment culture that focuses on whole tone as a key strategy. A re fit of literature identifies ex important culture elements that contribute to successful implementation of shade management system, which include leadership and top management commitment, customer management, training and education, teamwork, throng management and empowerment, supplier partnership, whole tone planning and strategic, knead management, rewards and recognition and efficient communication.2.0 Problem StatementsNowadays, the tincture of the fall upon mothers an issue when mevery accidents occurred related to the twist crumpleure much(prenominal) as turn of events collapse. Many criticisms received from man about this quality of the building. This has proven when Mahmood et al. (2010) stated that construction industry in Malaysia has been viewed as one of the firmaments that have a poor quality comp atomic number 18d to divers(prenominal) sectors such as agriculture or automotive sector.This is supported by utter et. al. (2009) when he claims that ther e were mis senses among the organization player on select Management System (QMS) opinions has become a stumbling block for its successful implementation. Said et. al (2010, c.f SIRIM 2005) also raise that QMS could be implemented either at the organization take or at the project level itself. looking at the construction industry scenario in Malaysia, there are around 4000 ISO 90012000 QMS certified organizations in the Malaysian construction related industry. However, the look is politic relatively small when compared to the total number of 63,204 organizations in this industry. Looking at the current scenario in the Malaysian construction industry, QMS compliance is a required factor to improve the quality of the Malaysian Construction intentness. Keng and Hamzah (2011, c.f Haupt et al. 2004) also found several problems found in implementing the quality estimation system on construction site such as too much paperwork, transeunt character of hands, theatre employees re gard quality management as irrelevant, clog in measuring results, and subcontractors and suppliers non interested in assessment3.0 pick out and Objectives of the StudyThe aim of this search is to study the impacts of implementation of quality assessment system in construction projects.ObjectivesTo diagnose the advantages from implementation of spirit Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) system in construction project.To view the challenges in implementing quality assessment system in construction project.4.0 stove and LimitationAmong the parties involved in construction, the contractors are the one who know the received situation in the construction compared to others. Beside that, the contractors also know the whole process in construction starting site possession until the projects is completed. Therefore, this research pull up stakes be conducted with focusingOnly to contractor G6 or G7 (CIDB) that already active with high cost construction project that focus o n quality of the building and clients satisf put to death as a main priority.The limitation of the research survey alone focus on Klang Valley r separately be provoke this area was highly developed with new buildings inclination.5.0 Research MethodologyPrimary informationA set of questionnaire pass on distribute to collect valuable info for this research. This interview may conduct to the targeted group in construction projects or organization.Secondary DataThe researcher found literature review as his secondary resources with aim to investigate the previous research and body of noesis about the quality assessment system in Malaysian construction industry.Problem statementObjective 2To determine the challenges in implementing quality assessment system in construction project.Objective 1To identify the advantages from implementation of woodland Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) system in construction project.Literature reviewQuestionnaireCase studyComments and out comeImpacts of implementation of quality assessment system in construction projects. condition 1.1 f lowly chart of research processCHAPTER IILITERATURE follow2.1 eccentric Assessment in Construction (QLASSIC)2.1.1 IntroductionAccording to CIDB (2006), feature Assessment System for Building Construction Work (QLASSIC) is an independent method to assess and evaluate the quality of workmanship of building projects based on the standard stated as a guideline. Yin (2012), added that type Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) is a system to measure and evaluate the quality of workmanship of a construction work based on the relevant approved standard. QLASSIC enables the quality of workmanship between construction projects to be objectively compared through a scoring system. The target of this scheme is to enable a construction project to be undergone in standard of procedure in order to hold in the quality of workmanship in the industrial plantThe construction industry and t he private sector plays an important role in creating wealth and improving the quality of life of Malaysians through interpretation of socio-economic policy of the governments societal and economic infrastructure and buildings. In addition, the construction industry creates multiplier effect to other industries, including manufacturing, financial function, and professional services.The Construction Industry Development control panel (CIDB) (2006), has published a special guideline for measuring the quality of construction and become As a disputation for the level of quality procured in a construction project in Malaysia. Rating of the workmanship get out be made through site inspections. Assessments ordain be conducted by a qualified evaluator of QLASSIC registered, trained and have passed the training conducted by the CIDB2.1.2 Objectives of QLASSICMasters Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) (2006), stated that CIDB list down objectives of the QLASSIC systemTo cite the l evel of quality in the construction industry.To have a standard quality assessment system as a benchmark for quality of construction whole industrial plant.To assist contractors to achieve defect-free when carrying out construction work.To be use as criteria to evaluate the transaction of contractors based on quality of workmanship.To be used for data compilation for statistical analysis in estimating the level of quality and productivity of the construction industry.2.1.3 Scopes of QLASSICCIDB (2006), stated that this assessment is set out for the quality of workmanship for the assorted aspects of the construction elements for the world-wide building works. It pass on cover four main components which is, Structural works, Architectural works, Mechanical and galvanic (M E) works and External works. Assessments on the workmanship are carried out based on this standard and marks are awarded if the workmanship complies with the standards. These marks are then summed up to run a total quality puddle (%) for the building project.However, the assessment excludes works such as piling, foundation and sub-structure works which are heavily equipment-based and called under separate contracts or sub contracts. The building is assessed primarily on workmanship standards achieved through site inspection and field runninging. The assessment is do passim the construction process for structural and M E works. For completed building projects the assessment is done for architectural, M E fittings and external works. Apart from site inspection, the assessment also includes field tests, test results on the material and the functional performance of selected services and installations. These tests help to sentry duty the interest of building occupants in relation to safety, comfort and aesthetic these defects may surface only after some(prenominal)time.In addition, MBAM (2006), stated that QLASSIC sets out the standards for various construction elements in building work and other infrastructure work. The quality assessment on the workmanship and finishes of the construction work is based on these standards and points are awarded if the workmanship and finishes abide by with the standards. These points are then summed up to give a total quality scrape called the QLASSIC Score (%) for a project. The assessment is conducted at the construction site through inspection and field testing. The chump will be done on construction works that are inspected for the first time. Construction works that are rectified and corrected after the assessment will non be rescored. The objective of this practice is to advance contractors to do things right the first time and e rattling time2.1.4 Components to be assessedAccording to QLASSIC (2006), the quality standards for building construction work are split up into four main components-a) Structural worksThe structural integrity of the building is of paramount importance as the cost of failure and repairs a re very signifi lavt. The assessment of structural works comprisesSite inspection of formwork, steel reinforcement, prefabricated or pre-cast elements, etc. during construction.Laboratory testing of compressive medium of concrete and tensile strength of steel reinforcement.Non-destructive testing of the uniformity and the cover of hardened concrete.b) Architectural worksArchitectural works deal mainly with the finishes. This is the part where the quality and standards of workmanship are most visible. Architectural works are works such as floors, internal walls, ceiling, door and window, fixtures and fittings, external wall, roofs, driveway, porch and apron.c) Mechanical and Electrical (M E) worksThe quality of M E works is important in view of its increasingly high cost proportion and its impact on the performance of a building. The assessment covers electrical works, air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation works (ACMV), exonerate protection works, sanitary and plumbing work s, lifts, escalator and other basic M E fittings.d) External worksExternal works cover the general external work elements in building construction such as the linkways/ shelters, drains, road works, car parks, footpaths, turfings, playgrounds, gates and fences, swimming pools, hardscapes and electrical substation.2.1.5 Assessment burn upIn general, the assessor determines the samples or elements to be assessed to each assessment. The samples are selected from drawings and plans. The selected samples shall be distributed as uniformly as possible throughout the project and construction stages. solely locations are to be carryed for the assessment. The scoring will be done on the works that are inspected for the first time. When an assessed item does not comply with the corresponding QLASSIC standards, it is considered failed and an X will be noted in the assessment form. Likewise a v is given for an item meeting the standards. A - will be given to indicate that the item is not app licable. The score is computed based on the number of v over the total number of items assessed. (CIDB, 2006)MBAM (2006) stated that, it is impractical to assess all elements in a construction project, QLASSIC assessment uses a sampling process to carry out the assessment. The samples are selected from drawings and plans of the relevant construction project.a) Structural WorksThe assessment is carried out throughout the various construction stages. The numbers of samples are contumacious based on the gross floor area (GFA) of the building with a tokenish and supreme number of samples.b) Architectural worksThe assessment is carried out upon completion of the building project and before handing over of the project. The samples are determined based on the gross floor area (GFA) of the building with a minimum and uttermost number of samples.c) Mechanical and Electrical (M E) worksThe samples are determined based on the gross floor area (GFA) of the building with a minimum and maxim um number of samples. For completed projects the assessment is carried out upon completion of the building project and before handing over of the project. For projects in pull ahead the assessment is carried out throughout the various construction stages.d) External worksThe assessment is carried out upon completion of the building and before handing over of the project. The numbers of samples are determined based on (10m length section/ location) with a minimum number of samples.2.1.6 Evaluation process of QLASSICSTARTArchitectural workStructural workME workExternal workDevelopers / contractors shall made applicationAPPLY TO CIDB stove OF EVALUATIONNumbers of sample is based on guideline in CIS7Samples are identified before assessors make an evaluationSAMPLING FROM assessorQualified assessors will assess the samples. The quality standard based on CIS7.SAMPLING ON SITEQLASSIC SCORE (%)Report from CIDB based on the evaluation by assessors.FINISH2.1.7 QLASSIC assessorTo be an assess or, the persons mustiness pick up the QLASSIC training course before being qualified to carry out the actual assessment at the construction sites. The QLASSIC assessors are continuously updated to ensure consistency and stiff implementation of the assessment.Requirements of QLASSIC assessorMalaysian citizenAge 25-60 historic periodPossesses an academic qualification in construction related fields such as architectural/civil/mechanical/electrical engineering/ measuring surveyor or other fieldsSuccessfully completed the QLASSIC Assessor software documentation political platform.Posses minimum working experience in the construction industry fit to academic qualification as follows.2.2 Quality philosophy2.2.1 Quality conceptMany definitions had been made in order to explain the terms of quality. Hoyle (1998), define quality as a degree of excellence, conformance with requirements, the totally of diagnostic of an entity that bear its expertness to satisfy stated or implied t ake, fitness for use. In addition, he also stated quality as freedom from defects, imperfections or contamination. In other words, quality is focus on satisfaction needs and costumers remove as a first priority. In construction industry, the offer from clients to contractor to do projects with a terms and conditions need to be followed by contractors and if the projects is completed according the requirements given is a quality products.According to Besterfield (1998), quality apprisenot be calculated by with number or it intangible and it only can be measure by personnel perception. Quality only can be quantified as followsQ = P/EWhere,Q=QualityP=PerformanceE=ExpectationsAccording to the formula, if quality is greater, the costumer has a good feeling about the products deliver.2.2.2 Quality parameterAccording to Hoyle (1998), difference in design can be classified or group into assorted class and the results can be good or poor. It is not comme il faut to produce product only conform to the specification or append services that meet managements requirement. Quality can be classified in three parameters which isQuality of design is the extent to which the design reflects a product or services that satisfies costumer needs. All the necessary characteristics need to be designed into the product or service at the outset.Quality of conformance is the extent to which the product or service conform to the design standard. The design has faithfully translating the clients need and it depends on the processes to realize the design into an actual end products.Quality of use is the extent which the user able to secure perseverance of use from the product or service. Products need to have a low cost of ownership be safe and reliable and maintainable in use.2.2.3 Quality managementAccording to Juran (1989), basic purpose of quality management is to eliminate failure in services or products. Failure not only that products, process or services but it would be fail in their function or their function not satisfy to customer demand. Hence, the quality management consist of planning, organizing, controlling and preventing the products or services from failure. All the methods and technique that use in quality management must be utile to improve and increase the quality of the products or services. This quality management include inspection process. Inspection is a process where quality is measured before deliver the products or services to the costumer. However, inspection alone is not enough to deliver quality products or services, it must adopt with the other practice to prevent failure.Quality management is both technical and behavioral subject. Therefore, the management of quality involves many aspects of an organization and the organization must make sure all its function inter-related and work expeditiously and effectively because whenever any function fail to perform, they will effect to another.2.2.4 Quality controlQuality control is the operational activities or techniques used to fulfil the requirement for quality. In other words, it is a process to maintain standards and prevent from failure. Standard can be control by process of selection, measurement and correction of work. Quality control can be applied in the processes that produce products by measuring the overall quality performance of the organization.(Juran, 1989)There are step to control the qualityDetermine what elements need to be controlled.Determine whether it needs to be control before, during or after the result.Establish details for the parameter to be controlled.Establish plans for control which specify the means by which the characteristics will be achieved and variation detected and removed.Organize resource to implement the quality control.Install sensor at an appropriate point in the process. adopt the data.Analyze the results.Propose solutions and decide the technique to overcome the problems.Take the action and check again whether it has been corrected or not.2.2.5 Quality improvementQuality improvement can be be as an action taken by the organization to increase and improve the effectiveness of activities or processes to provide satisfaction to the costumer. (ISO,2000). In other words, process of changing the quality for the products or services that can improve the level of satisfaction to the costumer. This can be done by control or increase the standard. Control approach can be done by improving the rate at which an agreed standard is achieved. The second approach is by increase the standard and setting new level. New standard can be created by making research and cultivation to a products and services.2.2.6 Quality assuranceISO (2000), defined the quality assurance as a planned and systematic action necessary to provide adequate confidence that an entity will fulfil the requirements for quality. Costumers and managers need a quality assurance, as they cannot oversee the operation for themselves. The assuranc e of quality can be gained by testing a products or services against prescribed standards to establish in capability to meet them. This approach can give confidence only to the tested products. Quality assurance not controls the quality, it establish the extent to which quality will be, is being or has been controlled.2.2.7 Quality systemHoyle (1998), stated that system is a set of function or activities that operate together to achieve the aim. A success quality system will lead the organization to achieve, sustain and improve the quality. It is a planning, swell up evaluates and organized to produce a required quality performance. A quality system is the approach to achieve all desire quality goals. Quality system focus on the quality of the organization produces, the factors which will cause the organization to achieve its goals, the factors influencing the customer satisfaction and identify nonconforming product. Quality system needs to possess certain characteristics for them to be fit for their purpose.hardihood ability to withstand variation in the way operation are carried out without failureComplexity the number of interconnections, routings, pathways, variations, options, etc, which give rise double procedure.Maintainability the ease and economy with which system changes can be made.Flexibility ability of the system can handle the changes in circumstances.Consistency the ability of the documented system unifies communication both within itself and the organizations.2.3 Challenges faced by construction project team in implementation of QLASSIC2.3.1 IntroductionCIDB (2008) stated that equal any other countries around the world, Malaysian construction industries face the problems that happen upon the teaching of construction sector. If these problems not managed and addressed effectively it become worst. The construction sector will continue play an important role as a main contributor to the Malaysia economy. To make sure the construction se ctor become stronger, Malaysia introduced many ways and one of the ways by introducing the QLASSIC system by CIDB. Although it was introduced several years ago, the implementations of this system still not achieve the target. Only few projects were applied this system. This because there are few problems and challenges regarding implementing this system faced by construction team.2.3.2 Fragmentation and Disintegration of the Construction IndustryThe construction industry has remained a very fragmented industry where divers(prenominal) activities in the entire value chain of the construction processes are being undertaken by different parties, frequently undertaken in isolation, thus resulting in inefficiencies. In particular, the segregation of design and construction activities which is widely practiced does not promote consideration for factors like savings in labour utilisation, ease of maintenance, construction safety and the practicality of construction methods.(CIDB,2008)As a result of the neglect of such integration considerations in the industry, the process to implement the QLASSIC system to the construction projects is difficult. The different players are also become conflict and the implementation of this system become unsuccessful. This because there are many parties involved in construction projects. Thus, some of the parties will implement the system and some are not. So, the systems are not applied on the overall parts or elements that need to be assess in the construction projects.2.3.3 Foreign labourLabour-intensive naturalized methods of construction that are still prevalent in Malaysia. The adoption of such methods are encouraged by the cheaper cost of employment of opposed workers with cut back wages and the availability of such workers for short-term periods of work.. Another reason for the to a great extent dependency on foreign labour involves the fact that the local workforce is reluctant to be employed as construction workers i n the derisory trades, where the image of the construction industry has always been one that is Dirty, Dangerous and Difficult. (CIDB, 2008)As a result, the implementation of QLASSIC system in construction projects becomes a problem because foreign workers do not understand this system. They are not soften about this system by the authorities. Thus, it become challenges for construction team to make sure the construction projects meet the standard that need in the QLASSIC system.2.3.4 lack of RDCIDB (2008) mentioned, the local construction industry is characterised as one that is labour-intensive, which has resulted in numerous challenges as highlighted previously. There is a need for the construction industry to progress towards one that is more focused on variation and automation. However, the pace of innovation through RD and automation through the adoption of new construction methods are relatively low due to the abundance of cheap foreign labour. notwithstanding the lack o f RD initiatives in the Malaysian construction industry, there has been progress on the local front to encourage and stimulate RD activities in the construction industry.As a result, one of the factor this system did not get assistance from construction team is because lack of RD. Before this system introduced to the construction sector, the creditworthy authorities that doing this research must make sure that the information rumple from the research is enough and the opinion from all the parties involved in construction project is taking into consideration. This is because the construction parties are the main target as they will use this system. So, opinion from construction parties is the first priority to cortege with construction projects when implementation this system.2.4 Effective strategies in implementing QLASSIC2.4.1 Stepping up research and developmentWong (2007), stated that Research and Development (RD) is critical to productivity and quality. Improvements in the co nstruction industry such as snap off materials, more cost-effective design and construction methods and labour-saving equipment are often introduced by way of RD initiative. However, for RD to be useful there is a need to ensure that new technologies and capabilities are efficiently shared and adopted by players in the industry to enhance the quality of the building. At the present moment, the amount of Malaysian construction RD ranges from negligible to non-existent. On the other hand, RD conducted by local institution of higher learning is often perceived as not been able to meet industry needs. Hence, there is a need for stronger collaboration between academia and the industry in stimulating RD efforts in order to produce quality of the building.2.4.2 Raising the Skills takeAccording to Wong (2007), the reality is that so long as the industry has a ready access to a large number of foreign workers, there is very little incentive for the industry to upgrade itself. While recogni zing that the industry will continue to rely on foreign workers in the bordering and medium term, there is a need to reduce the number of inexpert foreign workers. CIDB, in collaboration with the National Vocational Training Council of Malaysia (MLVKM) ha s developed the National Occupational Skill Standards (NOSS) for the construction industry, for the purpose of developing acquisitioned manpower in the industry by development of training module for the various trades as well as for skill accreditation for career development of construction personnel.The Malaysian construction industry at present is largely dependent on low skilled foreign workers. As introduce new technologies and push for higher quality the demand for manpower especially foreign workers should be reduced.2.4.3 Enhancing professionalismEnhancing professionalism of the industry can be achieved at three levels, namely the individual, trade connection or professional institution, and the industry. At the individu al level, the curriculum of institution of higher learning should be enhanced to include common modules and soft skills. At trade association or professional institution level, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme should be made mandatory for the renewal of professional membership as is currently practised by the plug-in of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), Board of Architect Malaysia (BAM) and Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM). To synchronize professional practice and thinking, it is also necessary for each profession to draw up its own set of code of conduct. (Wong, 2007)This will help to lay the foundation for constructional skills needed for construction players. Hence it must constantly promote, recognise and reward creativity, quality work, and innovation to integrate the various processes in the industry, but also to project a more modern image.2.4.4 Training and EducationFirms that establish workplace education designs report noted improvements in their workers abilities and the quality of their products (Cebeci and Beskese, 2002). The importance of training is to ensure that the skills of the workforce do not become obsolete in an environment of change and an understanding and attitude of quality is developed and maintained. Training should be directed at all levels of the organization to understand the QLASSIC process.2.4.5 Integrated approach to constructionAccording to Wong (2007), the construction industry is highly fragmented due to the sequential nature of the construction process. One of the major causes of low productivity and quality is the lack of integration of activities across the construction value chain. Consequently, mistakes in the construction stage resulting low quality of the building.So, through integration focus on effective interpersonal relationships, jointly planned work, identifying and solving problems will produce better quality. QLASSIC is one of the methods that need the integration by all the constru ction players to implement it.2.4.6 Rewards and recognitionAn important feature of any quality improvement programme is showing due recognition for improved performance by any individual, section, and department or division within the company considers recognition as one of the most important steps of the quality improvement proce