Scope And Limitations Of The Study In Thesis

It will take highly motivated individuals and champions of change before the industry can truly realize the impacts of these advances.The challenges of implementing alternative QMS processes are similar any process changes in large public or private organizations.

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This research has provided guidance through the following accomplishments: • Documentation of practices as found in quality management literature, surveys and case studies; • Analysis of the benefits and challenges of the alternative QMS through rigorous and scientific case study means; • Identification and definition of five fundamental QAOs for highway design and construction projects; • Identification and definition of ten factors influencing the selection of a QAO for highway design and construction projects; • Development of a selection model for matching these systems to alternative project delivery methods; • Increasing industry understanding of the impacts that alternative QAOs have on highway design and construction projects; and • Providing agencies with a roadmap of changes to the baseline QMS to accommodate alternative delivery methods.

The research defines the roles and responsibilities of all project stakeholders (agency, contractor, designer and consultants) in a clear and understandable manner.

However, these alternative quality management systems are being applied on a project-by- project basis due to the lack of national guidance to promote standard approaches.

For highway agencies, this lack of guidance is resulting in significant investment to develop individual programs and minimizing the ability to capture and utilize knowledge across agencies.

It is possible that additional QAOs not identified in this research may develop in the future as the industry becomes more comfortable with alternative project delivery methods and more comfortable with the contractor taking on more responsibility for quality.

The development of additional fundamental QAOs implies that the industry is embracing not only alternative project delivery, project management and quality methods, but also developing relationships with contractors that are built up trust, the contractor’s expertise, and a willingness to shift more quality responsibility to the contractor.6.4 Future Research The limitations of this research point towards topics to be addressed in the future.Quality management systems in the United States will continue to evolve.CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS, LIMITATIONS and FUTURE RESEARCH 6.1 Conclusions Quality management systems in the United States transportation industry are evolving.Innovations in QAOs and other features of quality programs are being used by STAs across the country on projects with both traditional DBB delivery and alternative delivery methods.The research also describes each of the fundamental QAOs through a description of the stakeholder’s roles and responsibilities, and the applicable project delivery methods.The results provide a better understanding of the impact that a particular QAO has on a project.Continued advancement will take a willingness of STAs to implement alternative QMSs and measure their effectiveness.It has taken decades to establish the baseline QMS.For consulting engineers and contractors, this lack of guidance is resulting in significant investment in response to project solicitations which require unique QMSs for different agencies.The objective of this research was to address the needs for QMS guidance for evolving alternative project delivery methods.