A system for quality-related costs for construction projects

Quality-related costs provide a measure for the performance of the quality function. A system is proposed for tracking quality-related costs in construction projects. The system provides a method for the collection, retrieval, and use of quality cost data specifically designed to meet the need of construction projects. In addition, a method for the classification of quality failures into a set of categories, is presented. The categories provide a means for sorting and summarizing the quality failure data to determine quality problem areas and rank them according to the magnitude of their failure costs. This allows for the development of cost effective quality improvement programs to deal specifically with high cost-contributing areas. It is also shown that the proposed project quality cost system can be integrated within the project cost control system. The coding of quality costs allows for the sorting and summarizing of these costs on any of the classification categories in the proposed quality cost system. It also allows for the comparison of quality costs with the regularly collected project costs. Ways for using the quality cost system for analysis of project quality problems are presented. Forms and database files are developed to allow for the collection of quality costs data on a regular and consistent basis and to make it available for investigation of quality problems areas. The proposed project quality cost system provides a viable and needed method for rational planning and control of quality costs.