DEVELOPMENT OF A WORKMANSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Abstract

One of the most important aspect of quality in a project is workmanship. Most contractors have failed in meeting stakeholders’ needs in the area of workmanship as it relates to the objectives of cost, quality and time. The lack of a workmanship management system in the construction process is one of the major problems facing the construction industry. In this regard, this study is aimed at developing an integrated benchmarking framework to measure workmanship performance of construction projects at any stage with focus on ensuring quality. To do so, the study undertakes a critical survey of literature and building professionals using mixed survey methods. It then uses the information gathered to develop an integrated workmanship benchmarking framework by integrating three major existing quality management techniques that include TQM, Six Sigma and SMS. This study successfully developed an integrated benchmarking framework with capability to measure the workmanship performance at both organization and project levels in any stage of construction projects. Also, the study identified a set of critical success factors for workmanship assessment and is expected to assist with and guide in the development of a workmanship performance assessment tool for the construction industry in developing counties including Trinidad and Tobago.