The Viewpoint Of Developers Background Of Study Construction Essay

The Viewpoint Of Developers Background Of Study Construction EssayNowadays, mental synthesis superior has been one of the important factors to satisfy guests. The priority of the customer is mainly based on calibre rather than cost. In todays economy competition, it is getting more fierce and cruel than before. Products with high-priced feel skunk attact buyers to purchase, and whence the pressure has been formed from customers leads the developers to provide the construct product with excellence select (Connections Magazine 2003). Connie (2001) acknowledges that facilities, exterior and interior design be included in construct musical note.Due to the inconsistency in plait quality, the naissance of Construction eccentric appraisal System or CONQUAS by the Construction Industry Development Board capital of Singapore (now known as the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)), in conjunction with major public agencies and several(prenominal) leading industry professi onal bodies and organisations, had been designed to beat the reflection quality level in construction industry in course of instruction 1988 (The National House Buyer connexion 2008a). The CONQUAS has been evolved in seventh edition which renamed as CONQUAS 21.Although having the different name, save still, QLASSIC aka Construction Industry Standard (CIS7) serves the same objectives as CONQUAS 21. spirit Assessment System in Construction or QLASSIC was unquestionable by Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia unitedly with confused professional bodies, association, universities and government agencies to resolve the inconsistency construction quality. It is designed to standardise the quality standards in construction, to evaluate the execution of the construction, to have a proper standard of judging system as well as to collect data for statistical digest to continually improve quality of construction (The National House Buyer Association 2008a). In fo rmer(a) words, QLASSIC stick out be served as a quality yard stick for the construction industry and is able to let outsiders to oppose relatively and quantitatively the quality of wiliness betwixt construction jumps.Furthermore, some developers can set a CONQUAS score as a target for contractor to achieve (Building and Construction Authority 2008). Once the contractor has reached the targeted score, he forget be awarded, but if the contractor is below the base line, he willing be penalised. This will encourage the contractor to provide a superior structure product.Both CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC be an indep completionent sound judgment which is conducted by inspectors from BCA Singopore or CIDB Malaysia. Sample of make will be selected randomly and inspected to represent the quality of boilersuit project, means that the reexamination will non evaluate and measure every single unit in the project (The National House Buyer Association 2008a).Problem StatementRecently, people argon more concerned somewhat quality achieved in building project. So, many people will hesitate whether the attribute is up to the standard and worth to purchase with the amount of money that they pay (The National House Buyer Association 2008a)? Building project with high quality can promise future marketability and enhances the clients confidence to the building (Building and Construction Authority 2008). Therefore, developers should deliver the final building product with high quality standard to the purchasers. shade is always being emphasized in a construction project, the establishment of CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC is an additional assurance for the developers to ensure the quality of the educatemanship in the project is infallible. Moreover, the result of the assessment can present impartially the overall quality of the completed project as well as represent the performance of the building by the developer and the contractor. Furthermore, the higher score of the building c an give a great sense of confidence to the house buyers to purchase the houses.However, some developers in Malaysia are adopting either CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC to ensure the quality of the product. There is no psychoanalyse being conducted regarding the preference of finishing of these two assessment methods. Therefore, a study on preference of finishing amid CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC will be proposed to find out the preference of developers. At the meantime, the detective also wants to compare the exercise between CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC and to determine the advantages of applying CONQUAS or QLASSIC. Finally, the researcher also wants to find out the constraints when implementing CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC.Project arrest and objectivesAimThe aim of this research is to study the preference of application between CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC from the raftpoint of developersObjectivesIn order to achieve the aim mentioned above, several objectives are created.To compare the application of CONQ UAS 21 and QLASSICTo determine the advantages of applying CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC in construction projectsTo examine the problems or constraints when implementing CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC in construction projectsTo find out the preference of developers in the application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC and the reasons.Key QuestionsThe following key questions are formed in order to achieve the objectivesWhat are the differences between application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC?What are the advantages of applying CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC?What are the constrains or problems to be faced when implementing CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC?Which type of construction quality assessment system is more preferred among Malayan developers?Importance and benefits of studyThis study is to find out the preference of developers on application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC. This can gather the opinions from developers in order to determine which construction quality assessment system is more preferred among Malaysian developers. Besides, this study also can plus the level of awareness for the Malaysian developers who do not apply either CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC. different than that, the research also focuses on the advantages and constraints in applying CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC. The benefits of this study provide better understanding to the developers about the advantages when applying CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC and encourage them to apply either system for hike improvement in the quality aspects of construction projects. Besides, this study highlights the constraints when implementing CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC so that developers are aware of these issues and able to avoid or mitigate them for effective application of the aforesaid construction quality system in their construction projects.Scope of studyTo achieve the objectives mentioned, this study will salutary focus on two construction quality assessment systems, namely, CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC. This research does not include another(prenominal) construction qua lity assessment system such as European Association for superior Assurance (ENQA), Project Quality Performance in Hong Kong substantial by Chan (2001) and Blueprint in United States genuine by the Quality Performance Measurement Task Force (QPMTF) of Construction Industry Institute (CII) (Stevens 1996).Additionally, the researcher will conduct an in-depth study on the advantages and constraints of applying CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC. The researcher will also natural covering the preferences of application between CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC from the heappoint of developers. data collection will be done by conducting a structured interview among developers in Malaysia to ascertain the advantages and constraints of applying CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC and to find out the preferences of developers in the application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC and the reason.Due to time constraint, the structure interview will be conducted on developers, which are registered under Construction Industry Developer Board (CIDB) within Selangor and Kuala Lumpur field of operation only when. Thus, the contractors as well as developers from other states will not be considered for this study.MethodologyIn order to achieve the objectives of this study, there are two methods to be used to collect data, they are respectively the primary data sources and secondhand sources.Primary Data SourcesThe second, third and quartetth objectives, which are determining the advantages of applying CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC, problem or constrains when implementing CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC and preference of the developer in application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC and the reasons, can be obtained by conducting structured interview. Structure interview will be conducted with developers who adopted both CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC in the previous or current projects. The interview mentioned will be conducted within Selangor and Kuala Lumpur area.Secondary Data Sources literature review is an essential material for researchers to enhance basic knowledge regarding to the research topic. Journal articles, government articles, newspapers, journals, books, magazines and internal research are used in secondary data sources. The review from those sources would complement the information for the first, second and third objective, which are compare the differences between application of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC, advantages and constrains of applying CONQUAS 21 or QLASSIC. Besides, information can also be obtained from library at TARC, National Library and the resources centre of CIDB.Figure 1. Outline of research proposal Literature ReviewQuality ismDefinition of QualityThe word of quality has a wide definition and it is an elusive concept, because different people view it differently (Joel E.Ross 2009). It can be further proven by Kerzners (2009, p.875) study, he indicated that quality cannot be defined accurately, the major reason for quality depends on the view of the customer. Quality is always treated as a compl icated term, the bill is inadequate to help a quality professional fully understand the concept. However, quality experts define quality in a different way as well, which is based on the customers perspective, speciafication-based prespective (Assignment Expert n.d.).However, there is a modern definition derived by Prof.R.K.Gupta (2008) that quality is fitness for intended use. It can be explained as meeting or exceeding customer expectations. It can be further defined as the degree of fulfillment of customer unavoidably and expectations by a supplier or service provider. Undoubtedly, quality is an essential element in a series of activities that has been preceived and value much by end users, not the suppliers.There are seven essentials of measuring quality, they are Functions, Safety, Aesthetics, Reliability, Longevity (product lift and maintenance), Service-delivery (effectiveness of marketing channel) and customer communication (effectiveness of communication channel). Those a re the main elements to cover customers satisfaction and developers preception about quality of product (Prof.R.K.Gupta 2008).Davids study (cited in Joel E.Ross 2009) stated that quality can be summarised into five principal go ones, which are transcendentel view of quality, product-based view, user-based view, manufacturing-based view, and value-based view. The explanation of each view is shown as belowTranscendental view of quality cannot be defined, but it can be differentiated by looking product. For instance, advertisement.Product-based view quality is deemed as quantifiable and measurable characteristics. For instance, measure products durability or reliability (e.g. mean time of failure or finish) and design the product to the bench mark. Although this approach has a lot of benefit, but it has restriction as well. In fact, quality is mostly based on individual taste or preference, therefore the benchmark for measuring may be misleading.User-based view products that meet c ustomers preferences are esteemed as highest quality. This may lead to two problems, one is the differences of customers preferences and the other is the difficulty of unifying the different preferences of customers. This approach can identify the products that meet the needs of major customers.Manufacturing-based view products are complied with the requirements, or specification. This concept applies to both services and products. Good quality product is not necessary in the eye of end-user but in the standards or specification set by the organisation.Value-based view quality is defined in terms of costs, prices and other attributes. Therefore, the materialization of customers decision mostly depends on the quality at an acceptable price.Evolution of QualityThere is a changing view of quality during the past twenty years, so improvement of quality is occured from time to time. Quality improvement not only focused in product but also services (Harold kerzner 2009, p.875). Additio nally, Harold kerzner has introduced a changing view of quality from past to present as shown in table 2.1.Table 2. Changing views of quality late(prenominal)PresentQuality is the responsibility of blue-collar shiters and direct labour employees bending on the floorQuality is everyones responsibility, including white-collar workers, the indirect labour force, and the overhead provideQuality defects should be hidden from the customer (and possibily management)Defect should be highlighted and brought to the surface for corrective actionQuality problems lead to blame, faulty justification, and excusesQuality problems lead to cooperative solutionsCorrections-to-quality problems should be accomplished with minimum documentationDocumentation is essential for lesson learned so that mistakes are not repeatedIncreased quality will increase project costsImproved quality saves money and increases businessQuality is internally focusedQuality is customer focusedQuality will not occur without close supervision of peoplePeople want to ptoduce quality productQuality occurs during project executionQuality occurs at project world and must be planned for within the project(Source Harold kerzner 2009, p.875).Importance of QualityThere is no doubt that quality is extremely important because it will use up benefits. The benefits can be divided into two, they are internal benefits and extraneous benefits. The figure 2.1 below shows the internal benefits and external benefits from good quality.(Source Abhiman DasMulmi 2009, p.7)Figure 2. Internal benefits and external benefits from good qualityHistorical Perspectives of Total Quality warinessThere are four stages of evolution of Total Quality Management, they are Quality Inspection, Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Total Quality Management (TQM) (UTM 2003). Figure 2.2 shows the four stages of Quality Management. Abhiman DasMulmi (2009) recogonised that quality management is also a hirarchical process which is initiated wi th rough inspection and then developed done quality control, followed by quality assurance under the wider management approach of TQM. Figure 2.3 shows the different characteristics of different stages in TQM. The concept of TQM has been developed since 1950 by various American experts. Among the experts, W Edwards Deming, Joeseph Juran and A.V.Feigenbaum have contributed significantly in developing the concept of TQM.Quality InspectionAbhiman DasMulmi (April 2009) has stated that in order to ensure the basic level of quality to be accomplish, the most suitable use of quality control will be quality inspection. Once the inspector put up out the poor quality product which is separated from the acceptable quality product, the product would be scrapped, reworked or sold as lower quality. Therefore, the method of inspection mainly sorts out the conformance and non-conformance of the product, it usually is done by visual inspection or testing (UTM 2003).(Source Dale 1994)Figure 2. Four stages of quality managementQuality Control (QC)Due to industrial advancement, it came to second stage of TQM development. Quality control is a stage above inspection (Abhiman DasMulmi April 2009). The quality was controlled through and through supervised skills, write specification, measurement and standardisation (Prof. Alessandro Brun 2010-2011).The process of QC involves monitoring and then utilizing statistical techniques to make decision. Quality standard of products and services can be improved and maintained through QC (Abhiman DasMulmi April 2009).Quality Assurance (QA)Quality assurance (QA) is the third stages of quality evolution. It is aim to provide products and services that fulfill customers expectations and needs (UTM 2003). QA can be defined as a process of checking, correcting and controlling is conducted in such a manner that the manufacture/ service providers are aware that all stages of the process are being conducted correctly with the specified standard (Abh iman DasMulmi April 2009). Other activities such as comprehensive quality manuals, use of cost of quality, development of process control and auditing of quality systems are also developed in order to progress from quality control to the quality assurance (UTM 2003).Total Quality Management (TQM)Total Quality Management is the last stages of this development, it involves the understanding and implementation of quality management principles and concepts in every aspect of activities. (Prof. Alessandro Brun 2010-2011) The purpose of TQM is to fully utilise these activities to provide customers with best quality products or services at the lowest cost. Additionally, continually improve quality is the main aim of TQM to become a winning strategy to gain customer allegiance (UTM 2003).(Source Chew 2000)Figure 2. Different characteristics of different stages in TQM2.2 Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS 21) entryIn current s cenario in Construction Industry, performance of completed product can be measured by implementing either QLASSIC or CONQUAS 21. Both of them are an independent assessment carried out by assessors to inspect, evaluate and measure the quality of workmanship.QLASSICQuality Assessment System in Construction or QLASSIC is an independent method that developed by CIDB Malaysia to assess and evaluate the construction work which done by workman based on the approved standard (CIDB n.d.). On other hand, QLASSIC also act as a benchmark for contractor to achieve and maintain the quality of construction work (CIDB 2011) According to Ali Faizal (n.d.), QLASSIC is a standard which evaluate to reduce contentious disputes between relevent parties such as architects, engineers, developers, purchasers, contractor regarding on constitution of acceptable quality and to ensure that the interest of buyers or purchasers is secured.CONQUAS 21Since year 1989, Construction Quality Assessment System or CONQ UAS is introduced in Singapore to serve as a standard assessment system on building project. In year 1998, several features was added into CONQUAS by BCA, therefore, CONQUAS has evolved in a new edition which renamed as CONQUAS 21 (Building and Construction Authority 2008). analogyBoth quality assessment systems served as a same function to assess and evaluate the quality of workmanship of building project based on the approved standard. Besides, both of them are carried out through site inspection by assessors that have no any relationship with that particular project. Marks will be prone after the assessment system is completed. Additionally, regardless of QLASSIC and CONQUAS, both of them are act as a benchmark for contractor to achieve and maintain the quality of construction work.ObjectiveCONQUAS 21 was designed with three objectives while the QLASSIC was designed with five objectives. Those objectives was designed and developed for the users to achieve.QLASSIC (CIDB 2006)To s tandardize the level of quality of the construction industry in MalaysiaTo measure the quality of workmanship of building project by implementing standard quality assessment systemTo measure quality of workmanship of a building project based on approved standardTo appraise the performance of contractors based on quality of workmanship andTo collect data for statistical analysisCONQUAS 21 (BCA 2008)To have a standard quality assessment system to assess quality of workmanship for construction floraTo make quality assessment objective byMeasuring constructed work against workmanship standard and specificationUsing a sampling approach to suitably represent the whole projectTo enable quality assessment to be carried out systematically within timeframe budgetComparisonOn the whole, most of the objectives between CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC are same, just present in different wording. The similarity of the objectives between both quality assessment systems is having a standard quality assessme nt to evaluate the quality of workmanship and measure construction work against workmanship standard and specification. There are some differences between CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC. Firstly, one of the objectives of CONQUAS 21 is to enable quality assessment to be carried out systematically within time frame and budget. Secondly, QLASSIC is designed with another two objectives, they are to appraise the performance of contractors based on quality of workmanship and to collect data for statistical analysis.ScopeIn general, scope has been defined as the area or extent of an activity (Kernerman English bilingual Dictionary 2010). CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC have set out their scope or the covered area of the assessment. Therefore, both of the quality assessment systems set out the standards for various aspects of construction work (BCA 2008). Assessment on the quality of workmanship is carried out based on the various construction elements in the project and marks awarded are then summed up to give a total quality score for the building project (CIDB 2006).QLASSIC (CIDB 2006)Main elements to be covered in Quality Assessment System are as followsStructural whole whole caboodleArchitectural worksMechanical galvanizing worksExternal worksThe above mentioned components can be further broken into different items such as internal finishes, external finishes, roof, sanitary work, electrical work and so on. However, the works such as piling, big(p) foundation and sub-structure works which are heavily equipment-based and called under separate contracts or sub-contracts are excluded.Undoubtedly, assessment is primarily based on workmanship standard through site inspection and field testing. Therefore, assessment on structural work and ME works is carried out during the construction process, while for completed building project, assessment on architectural, ME fitting and external works is executed to measure the quality of workmanship.Other than site inspection, test on the m aterial and the functional performance of selected services and deftness also will be included in the assessment. Those tests can comfort the interest of occupants in term of safety, comfort and aesthetic defects which will be surfaced only after some time.CONQUAS 21 (BCA 2008)Main components to be covered in CONQUAS are as followsStructural worksArchitectural worksMechanical Electrical worksThe above mentioned components can be further broken into different item such as internal finishes, external finishes, roof, sanitary work, electrical work and so on. However, the works such as piling, heavy foundation and sub-structure works which are heavily equipment-based, buried or covered and called under separate contracts or sub-contracts are excluded.Undoubtedly, assessment is primarily based on workmanship standard through site inspection and field testing. Therefore, assessment on structural work and ME works is carried out during the construction process, while for completed build ing project, assessment is only carried out on architectural work to measure the quality of workmanship.Other than site inspection, test on the material and the functional performance of selected services and installation also will be included in the assessment. Those tests can protect the interest of occupants in term of safety, comfort and aesthetic defects which will be surfaced only after some time.ComparisonIt is obviously shown that there are four components covered in the QLASSIC while three components for the CONQUAS 21. The only difference between them is QLASSIC has an additional component, which is External works. In fact, the external work of CONQUAS 21 is grouped unneurotic with structural work.Due to the additional component of QLASSIC, there are slightly differences on the quality assessment. For better understanding, the following table shows the differences of the quality assessment between them.Table 2. Comparison of Components to be Tested Between QLASSIC and CON QUAS 21Components to be testedQLASSICDuring Construction processStructural works and Mechanical Electrical works. entire BuildingArchitectural works, Mechanical Electrical works and External works.Components to be AssessedQLASSIC (CIDB 2006)For the QLASSIC, the assessment is divided into 4 componentsStructural worksStructural is always deemed as an importance element of whole building because it might incur big amount of failure and repair cost once it failure. Therefore, the assessment of structural work comprisesSite inspection of formwork, steel reinforcement, prefabricated or pre-cast elements, etc during construction.Laboratory testing of compressive strength of concrete and tensile strength of steel reinforcement.Non-destructive testing of the cover and the uniformity of determined concrete.Architectural worksArchitectural works are mainly deal with the finishes. The quality and standards of workmanship can be showed obviously through the finishes.Floors, ceiling, window a nd penetration and internal wall, fittings and fixtures, external wall, roofs, driveway, apron and porch are works under architectural.Mechanical and Electrical (ME) worksThe quality of ME works is also important because it might refer the performance of the building once its failure and high cost is involve in rectification works and installation works as well. Electrical works, air-conditioning and machinelike ventilation works (ACMV), fire protection works, sanitary and plumbing works, lifts, escalator and other basic ME fittings are covered under the assessment.External worksLastly, the external works cover the general external works elements in building construction such as the link ways/shelter, drains, road works, car parks, footpaths, turfings, playgrounds, provide and fences, swimming pools, hardscapes and electrical substation.CONQUAS 21 (BCA 2008)For the CONQUAS 21, the assessment is divided into 4 componentsStructural worksStructural is always deemed as an importance element of whole building because it might incur big amount of failure and repair cost once it failure. Therefore, the assessment of structural work comprisesSite inspection of formwork, steel reinforcement, prefabricated or pre-cast elements, etc during construction.Laboratory testing of compressive strength of concrete and tensile strength of steel reinforcement.Non-destructive testing of the cover and the uniformity of hardened concrete.Architectural worksArchitectural works are mainly deal with the finishes. The quality and standards of workmanship can be showed obviously through the finishes. The assessment covers the followingSite inspection of floors, internal walls, ceiling, window and door, fittings, roof, external walls of the building.Material functional tests such as window water-tightness, compressed area water-tightness and adhesion of internal wall tiles. Installation of waterproofing for internal wet areas also included in the process of assessment.Mechanical and Electrical (ME) worksThe quality of ME works is also important because it might impact the performance of the building once its failure and high cost is involve in rectification works and installation works as well. Electrical works, air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation works (ACMV), fire protection works, sanitary and plumbing works, lifts, escalator and other basic ME fittings are covered under the assessment. The stages of the assessment includeSite inspection of installed works before they are concealed such as the concealed pipesSite inspection of final installed works such as the Air-Handling units (AHU), cooling tower, fire alert control panel, etc.Performance tests on selected works such as earthing test, dry riser test and water pressure test, etc.ComparisonThe components of CONQUAS 21 and QLASSIC are quite similar. However, there is only one difference, it is CONQUAS 21 does not have external works. In fact, the external works was grouped together with structural w orks.The following tables are the comparison of sub-components to be assessed between QLASSIC and CONQUAS 21Structural worksTable 2. Comparison of submarine-Components to be Assessed between QLASSIC and CONQUAS 21 (Structural Works)Sub components to be assessedQLASSICCONQUAS 21Part 1 Reinforced Concrete StructuresFormworkReinforcement (Cash in-situ and Precast)Finished Concrete (Cash in-situ and Precast)Precast Specific RequirementsStructure QualityNon-Destructive TestingPart 2 Structural Steel WorksMain Member/ Partial Assembled ComponentMetal DeckingErection TolerancesCorrosion and Fire trade protectionWelding Test ReportsPart 3 Pre-Stressed ConcreteCondition of Tendons AnchoragesInstallation of SheathingStressing Grouting ProcessDebondling(Source CIDB 2006 and BCA 2008)Architectural worksTable 2. Comparison of Sub-Components to be Assessed between QLASSIC and CONQUAS 21 (Architectural Works)Sub-components to be assessedQLASSICCONQUAS