Establishment of parameters for developing a construction management system for project inspectors / Ma. Eloisa T. Clemente. 6

Thesis (M.A.) -- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 2004.;A directed study presented to the faculty of Graduate School of Engineering in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Engineering Management (MEM) with specialization in Construction Management. 56

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ABSTRACT: The study presents the parameters of competence for construction inspection. It includes the expectations or requirements of Constructors to construction inspectors in terms of knowledge & skills and performance level of construction inspectors affected by their values and attitudes. Knowledge, skills, values & attitudes and habits share equal importance in bringing the competence of construction inspectors. Thus, coming up with a rate of 25% each. Specific parameters on knowledge such as safety guidelines and guidelines, Language of lines and symbols for interpretation of drawings and specifications, practical knowledge, installation requirements and testing and inspection methods standards are more preferred by Constructors having a consideration rate 3% for each parameter. On the other hand, the following specific parameters on knowledge are less preferred such as fabrication requirements, materials and specifications, training, availability of specific questionnaire having a consideration rate of 2%. Thus, having a summation of 25% for knowledge. Such preference for the parameters were brought by keeping the interest in the business. For example, on safety guidelines and principles, there is a need to observe safety as per written guidelines of the Organization because it aims to prevent accident which will bring consequential delay leading to high cost implications. For the interpretation of drawings and specifications, it defines the scope of work of project and any misinterpretations will mean costly rectifications. Specific parameters on skills such as quality check, identification of location as per plans and specifications, performing test required, application of safety proceedings, job experience consideration, and its minimum, pre-selection of materials, architectural and engineering judgment are more preferred by Constructors having a rate consideration of 2.75% for each parameter. Unlike the other parameters such as handling of tools and equipment are less preferred having a rate consideration of 1.5%. Thus, having a summation of 25% for skills. Again, in keeping the Organization objectives, quality check is important because it is the primary function of construction inspectors. Quality as defined to be in compliance with the standards and specifications, alignment with the operational system of the organization. In support of the other parameter on knowledge, the identification of locations as per plan is likewise significant because proper orientation of building elements on site will mean proper delivery of the project as per supplied plans and specifications. Specific parameters on values and attitudes show level of preference whereas commitment, discipline, leadership, initiative, punctuality and attendance and dependability are more preferred parameter having a rate consideration of 3% each while determination of values thru psychology test, giving instruction, cost consciousness, reward than self enhancement are less preferred having a rate consideration of 1.75%. Thus, coming up with a summation of 25%. The significance of the more preferred parameters such as commitment will mean getting things done with proper control from discipline exercise by construction inspectors. Specific parameters on habits show equal level of importance which brings to a rate consideration of 2.5% each. These parameters are adequate quality assurance, adequate quality control, consistency in making a follow up, timely delivery , regular compliance to requirements, work as an ample training ground, habit in the established system, site information and verification, job creativity and effectiveness in communication. Further, the study describes the relationship of one to the other so that construction inspectors understands the importance of all the parameters in the execution of their jobs. The overall results of the survey establishes the parameters in developing a construction management system which provides competence on both the Organization and the construction inspectors. It is because competence is gained through mutual cooperation of both the Organization and construction inspectors which makes the parameters interdependent. The identified parameters describes the concerns / needs of the industry which include: 1. Provision of adequate information to construction inspectors (knowledge) 2. Improvement program enhancing the capabilities of construction inspectors (skills) 3. Motivation to inspectors which encourage the exercise of Organization's culture (desired values and attitudes) 4. Carrying out the job with the character of quality by competent construction inspectors (habit) Constructors who do not have yet a complete construction management system can derive the use of the established parameters in order to address the abovementioned needs of the construction industry. The study develops the competence model for construction inspectors which will be the basis of establishing the construction management system. The competence model which includes the technical section in application of parameters on knowledge and skills, the administrative section in application of the parameters on habits and self development section in application of appropriate values and attitudes. As previously described of the specific parameters, the study identifies the hierarchy of the competence parameters including the corresponding weighted rate distribution which can be used in appraisal of construction inspectors. The study concludes with the establishment of parameters as the initial step in obtaining a standardization in the operations of construction management, strengthening the partnership of the Constructor's management and construction inspectors and reaching the desired competence level to be strong in a competitive business of construction industry.

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