How can we engage in a market relationship when the quality of the goods we want to acquire is unknown, invisible, or uncertain? For market exchange to be possible, purchasers and suppliers of goods must be able to assess the quality of a product in relation to other products. Only by recognizing qualities and perceiving quality differences can purchasers make non-random choices, and price differences between goods be justified. "Quality" is not a natural given, but the outcome of a social process in which products become seen as possessing certain traits, and occupying a specific position in relation to other products in the product space. While we normally take the quality of goods for granted, quality at a closer look is the outcome of a highly complex process of construction involving producers, consumers, and market intermediaries engaged in judgment, evaluation, categorization, and measurement. The authors in this volume investigate the processes through which the quality of goods is established. They also investigate how product qualities are contested and how they change over time. The empirical cases discussed cover a broad range of markets in which quality is especially difficult to assess. The cases include: halal food, funeral markets, wine, labor, school choice, financial products, antiques, and counterfeit goods. The book contributes to the sociology of markets. At the same time it connects to the larger issue of the constitution of social order through cognitive processes of classification.

Primarily for the three parties named in the subtitle, this manual offers information and recommendations on principles and procedures that have been shown effective in enhancing the quality of construction projects the projects themselves not the finished product. Among other aspects, it discusses

The quality of a product or service is a measure of its ability to satisfy customer requirements. This satisfaction can be assured by the operation of a quality system which will ensure that specified requirements are met consistently and economically. The Management of Quality in Construction provides the reader with a knowledge of the principles of quality management and an understanding of how they may successfully be applied in the particular circumstances of the construction industry. The areas covered range from an historical review of traditional methods of assuring quality in the industry and how contractual arrangements have evolved, to an interpretation of quality system standards in the context of construction. Examples are given which highlight specific areas, and specialist chapters on organization structures and the techniques of quality auditing are included.

The first edition published in 2010. The response was encouraging and many people appreciated a book that was dedicated to quality management in construction projects. Since it published, ISO 9000: 2008 has been revised and ISO 9000: 2015 has published. The new edition will focus on risk-based thinking which must be considered from the beginning and throughout the project life cycle. There are quality-related topics such as Customer Relationship, Supplier Management, Risk Management, Quality Audits, Tools for Construction Projects, and Quality Management that were not covered in the first edition. Furthermore, some figures and tables needed to be updated to make the book more comprehensive.

This book explores how value and quality are established in markets and society by means of a series of empirical studies across a diverse set of topics. It contributes to the sociology of markets, as well as connecting to the larger issue of the constitution of social order through classification.

Quality management is essential for facilitating the competitiveness of modern day commercial organizations. Excellence in quality management is a requisite for construction organizations who seek to remain competitive and successful. The challenges presented by competitive construction markets and large projects that are dynamic and complex necessitate the adoption and application of quality management approaches. This textbook is written in line with the ISO 9001:2008 standard and provides a comprehensive evaluation of quality management systems and tools. Their effectiveness in achieving project objectives is explored, as well as applications in corporate performance enhancement. Both the strategic and operational dimensions of quality assurance are addressed by focusing on providing models of best practice. The reader is supported throughout by concise and clear explanations and with self-assessment questions. Practical case study examples show how various evaluative-based quality management systems and tools have been applied. Subjects covered include: business objectives – the stakeholder satisfaction methodology organizational culture and Health and Safety quality philosophy evaluation of organisational performance continuous quality improvement and development of a learning organization. The text should prove most useful to students on both undergraduate and postgraduate construction management or construction project management courses. It will also prove a valuable resource for practising construction managers and project managers.

Quality management is essential for facilitating the competitiveness of modern day commercial organisations. Excellence in quality management is a requisite for construction organisations who seek to remain competitive and successful. The challenges presented by competitive construction markets and large projects that are dynamic and complex necessitate the adoption and application of quality management approaches. This new edition of Construction Quality Management provides a comprehensive evaluation of quality management systems and tools. Their effectiveness in achieving project objectives is explored, as well as applications in corporate performance enhancement. Both the strategic and operational dimensions of quality assurance are addressed by focusing on providing models of best practice. The reader is supported throughout by concise and clear explanations and with self-assessment questions. Practical case study examples show how various evaluative-based quality management systems and tools have been applied. Subjects covered include: business objectives – the stakeholder satisfaction methodology organisational culture and Health and Safety quality philosophy evaluation of organisational performance continuous quality improvement and development of a learning organisation. New chapters consider the influence of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on quality management. The text should be of interest to construction industry senior managers, practicing professionals and academics. It is also an essential resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students of construction management, project management and business management courses.