CCM Quality Management Principles 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In construction, 'acceptance sampling' is a technique where:
- All units are inspected 100% of the time
- A statistical sample from a batch is tested to decide whether to accept or reject the entire lot (Correct answer)
- Only the first and last units are inspected
- Inspectors accept work based on verbal contractor assurances
Correct answer: A statistical sample from a batch is tested to decide whether to accept or reject the entire lot
Acceptance sampling tests a representative subset of a batch and uses statistical criteria to decide if the whole batch meets quality requirements.
Question 2: The 'Cost of Poor Quality' (COPQ) includes which of the following?
- Training costs and quality planning expenses
- Rework, warranty repairs, and failure-related losses (Correct answer)
- Inspection equipment purchases
- Supplier audit fees
Correct answer: Rework, warranty repairs, and failure-related losses
COPQ captures internal failure costs (rework, scrap) and external failure costs (warranty, litigation) resulting from poor quality.
Question 3: A construction manager implements 'first article inspection' on a new structural steel fabricator. This means:
- Inspecting only the last piece fabricated
- Thoroughly inspecting the first production piece to verify the fabricator can meet specifications before full production (Correct answer)
- Accepting all pieces after the first one is approved verbally
- Reviewing the fabricator's invoices before shipment
Correct answer: Thoroughly inspecting the first production piece to verify the fabricator can meet specifications before full production
First article inspection verifies that the initial production unit conforms to all requirements before the manufacturer proceeds with the full order.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of an 'internal failure cost' in construction quality?
- Warranty repairs after building occupancy
- Owner lawsuit for defective work
- Rework to correct incorrectly placed reinforcing steel before concrete pour (Correct answer)
- Third-party testing laboratory fees
Correct answer: Rework to correct incorrectly placed reinforcing steel before concrete pour
Internal failure costs occur when defects are found and corrected before delivery to the owner, such as redoing misplaced rebar.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'hold point' in a construction quality inspection program?
- A pause in work to allow additional subcontractors to mobilize
- A mandatory stop in work where an authorized inspector must verify quality before work can continue (Correct answer)
- A scheduled break for safety toolbox talks
- A delay caused by adverse weather conditions
Correct answer: A mandatory stop in work where an authorized inspector must verify quality before work can continue
A hold point requires work to stop and an inspection to be completed and approved before the next phase of work may proceed.
Question 6: Benchmarking in construction quality management involves:
- Setting minimum wage rates for workers
- Comparing an organization's quality processes and performance against industry best practices or leading competitors (Correct answer)
- Establishing physical survey control points on site
- Setting the maximum allowable defect rate
Correct answer: Comparing an organization's quality processes and performance against industry best practices or leading competitors
Benchmarking identifies gaps between current performance and best-in-class standards, driving targeted quality improvements.
Question 7: Under TQM (Total Quality Management) principles, quality is the responsibility of:
- The owner's inspector only
- The quality manager alone
- Every person involved in the project (Correct answer)
- The general contractor's superintendent exclusively
Correct answer: Every person involved in the project
TQM holds that quality is everyone's responsibility, from senior management to field workers, not just a dedicated inspection department.
CCM Quality Management Principles 4
In construction, 'acceptance sampling' is a technique where: