- 2079 Bhadra · 2+2+2 marks
Quality; QA vs QC; factors in Nepal
Define quality. Distinguish between Quality Assurance and Quality Control. List out different factors disturbing the quality of projects in Nepal.
Quality
Quality is the degree to which a set of inherent characteristics of a product or service meets the requirements: the specified standards, the client's needs and fitness for use. In construction, quality means the work follows the drawings, specifications and codes and is safe, durable and functional.
Quality assurance and quality control
| Basis | Quality assurance (QA) | Quality control (QC) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Planned system of activities to give confidence that quality requirements will be met | Operational techniques to check that the work meets the requirement |
| Focus | Process; prevents defects | Product; detects defects |
| Nature | Proactive | Reactive |
| When | Before and during the work | During and after the work |
| Responsibility | Whole organisation and management | Site and testing team |
| Tools | Quality plan, audits, procedures, training | Inspection, tests (cube test, slump, compaction), checklists |
| Example | Setting the method statement and approving materials | Testing concrete cubes at 7 and 28 days |
Factors disturbing the quality of projects in Nepal
- Poor and incomplete design, drawings and estimates; weak site investigation.
- Lowest-bid contractors with low capacity, and unrealistic bid prices.
- Lack of skilled labour, supervisors and trained engineers.
- Weak supervision and monitoring by the client or consultant.
- Poor quality of materials (cement, aggregate, steel) and lack of testing labs near site.
- Delay in payment and shortage of funds, causing shortcuts.
- Corruption, commission and political interference.
- Difficult geography, monsoon and poor access to remote sites.
- Frequent change of design and variation orders.
- Low use of quality standards, such as the Nepal Building Code and Nepal Standards, and weak penalties.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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