ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses several topics that relate to the improvement of quality in construction, learning from projects and using the lessons learned to improve. The assurance of quality throughout the life of a project by means of the commissioning function is also included here. The topics discussed complement the adoption and deployment of lean construction. Built-in quality is a component of lean construction. While lean practices enable project teams to work cost effectively and with efficient hand offs from one discipline to another, quality assurance and commissioning are initiatives that ensure that completed facilities perform as expected and without deficiencies. The adoption of total quality management or other quality management systems prepares an organization for subsequent adoption of lean construction. Many of the tools and techniques that are applied to Total Quality Management and Six Sigma are used by practitioners of lean construction.
