Simulation-aided framework for assessing the effect of project quality management on construction performance

Construction managers usually find it difficult to understand the implications of quality management initiatives on the performance of construction projects and, therefore, to manage the performance improvement process. On the other hand, while the reliance on quantitative parameters has characterized construction simulation, the consideration of quality management factors in the simulation modeling of construction operations has been limited. This research work was aimed at developing a framework for integrating the appropriate modeling techniques in order to estimate the effect of project quality management (PQM) factors on the performance of construction operations. The proposed framework takes advantage of the information and knowledge available in construction organizations to model the variables involved in the assessment of the effect of PQM practices on the performance of construction operations. As a result, this thesis presents the design, development, and application of the Project Quality Management Assessment Framework (PQMAF). This framework includes fuzzy-logic and discrete event simulation modeling in order to simulate the effect of PQM practices on the performance goals of construction operations. The application of the PQMAF is illustrated through a case study, in which the effect of the PQM practices on the completion time of open cut construction projects is simulated. The estimates obtained through this simulation approach are expected to support decision making in the implementation of quality management and related performance improvement actions in construction projects.