Construction Management Excellence Using ISO 9000 to Improve Quality Systems.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USACE Construction Divisions have begun to implement a number of total quality management initiatives and have instituted effective quality assurance programs. However, the construction organizations still lack a comprehensive quality management system that encompasses all aspects of the construction management process. One such system that the construction organizations could readily apply is the ISO 9000 quality system developed by the International Organization for Standardization. Specifically, the Corps construction organizations should implement the quality standards in ISO 9002, Quality Systems - Model for Quality Assurance in Production and Installation. This report compares the practices prescribed by 150 9002 with existing quality management practices used by USACE construction organizations and identifies specific quality system improvement opportunities that will bring the existing quality system into compliance with 150 9002. The report also presents a strategy for obtaining ISO 9002 registration. The strategy includes an implementation plan that specifies required tasks, responsibilities, and a schedule, and notes the fiscal and staff resources needed to carry out the plan. By obtaining 150 9002 certification, the Construction Divisions will demonstrate that they have established a fundamental quality system and that they consistently apply that quality system to meet their customers requirements. MM