A structured critical success factors model for implementing project quality management system in construction

Abstract

In the ISO 9000-based project quality management system (PQMS), the parties involved implement the system according to the requirements stated in the individual quality plan. This approach creates a lot of problems such as lack of commitment and teamwork; contradiction of requirements between the parties’ quality systems, contract and project management; and generation of unnecessary voluminous and duplicate paperwork. These problems are augmented by the lack of knowledge and skills of the construction players in managing the PQMS. One of the solutions is the implementation of Critical Success Factors (CSF) that prompted this research with the formulation of three related objectives which are: 1) to identify the PQMS’s CSF; 2) to evaluate the criticality and ranks of the PQMS’s CSF; and 3) to develop the relationship model for the PQMS’s CSF. To achieve the objectives, three research methodologies were employed that involved literature review, expert’s opinions and questionnaire survey. Six PQMS’s CSF were identified as constructs of the study with each CSF comprising three indicators. The six PQMS’s CSF were client’s commitment, integration of quality plan, education and training, measurement and improvement, teamwork and communication, and the use of the information, communication and technology (ICT). Having confirmed the constructs through the analysis of the questionnaire survey data, experts’ opinions were sought to develop the relationship among the PQMS’s CSF using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM). The ISM-based model was then evaluated using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The final model is a four-factor model with eleven indicators. It is a structured CSF model for the PQMS implementation where the client’s commitment, and the education and training in quality are the drivers; followed by the integration of quality plan; and finally the measurement and improvement