Quality issues related to the design and construction stage of a project in the Indian construction industry

Abstract

PurposeQuality in the construction industry is an important issue yet ignored during the initial stages of the life cycle of a project, that is, the design and construction stage. The contribution of stakeholders, especially the architects is generally suspended though it has huge significance in terms of cost and time related to quality. This research endeavors to examine the issues related to the design and construction stages of the project from architects' purview, to understand the relative importance of these issues in the Indian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study of qualitative data conducted formed a basis for online quantitative data collection that was further analyzed with the help of cross-tabulation and multiple correspondence analysis methods.FindingsThe study concludes that the budget of a project is a corresponding factor related to quality concern for architects. The study also established that the quality issues corresponding to high budgets are closely related to the construction stage and are identified as preparation of checklist, and bidding process of hiring the contractor on the lowest bid.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to analyzing the perspective of architects; however, other stakeholders of the construction industry may represent a different opinion.Practical implicationsThis research emphasizes the importance of the client's role, and need for integration and coordination among stakeholders in the construction industry for effective quality control and management.Originality/valueThe research presents an exhaustive literature review on quality issues and its importance with respect to cost implications, standard practices, sustainability and the life cycle of the project.

Level of sub-contracting design responsibilities in design and construct civil engineering bridge projects

“…This new proposition suggests that it is recommended to give the SC responsibility already in the design stage to prevent problems in later stages. This is in keeping with other studies, which state that the design stage can have a significant impact on later stages in construction projects (Alsulamy, 2022;Khan et al, 2021;Zaneldin, 2016). However, it contrasts with other literature that states that late involvement (construction stage) of the SC is considered a preferred way of sub-contracting, despite negative characteristics (Lee et al, 2009).…”

“…In civil engineering projects, it is common to develop designs in phases and from abstract levels to detailed levels of design (Dinh and Dinh, 2021;Khan et al, 2021;Zaneldin, 2016). Although the phases and levels of design detail are not strictly demarcated and vary across countries and projects, the basic principle of working stepwise from coarse to fine remains similar.…”

Development of comprehensive carbon footprint and environmental impact indicators for building transportation assessment

“…Buildings which uses less water, optimise energy efficiency, conserve natural resources, generate less waste and provide healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to conventional buildings are called green buildings (Hedaoo and Khese, 2016;Khan et al, 2021). In other words, it is a design concept that reduces environmental impact of buildings through innovative land use, construction strategies and appropriate site selection.…”

“…In other words, it is a design concept that reduces environmental impact of buildings through innovative land use, construction strategies and appropriate site selection. A specified professional have to assess these design concepts for the building to be green or sustainable (Khan et al, 2021;Koranteng et al, 2021). To have proper building design, construction and operation, several countries have moved forward to establish rating systems.…”

“…Buildings which uses less water, optimise energy efficiency, conserve natural resources, generate less waste and provide healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to conventional buildings are called green buildings (Hedaoo and Khese, 2016; Khan et al. , 2021).…”