Classifying Audit Results of ISO 9000 in Architectural Design and Engineering Firms

Abstract

Greater use of ISO quality standards is needed to increase the penetration of South Korean construction companies into foreign markets. There have been significant problems in the stable implementation of ISO 9001 in architectural design and engineering firms, which appear to be caused by lack of recognition and comprehension of standards requirements. This research aims to deduce improvement measures by analyzing nonconformity results published when a certification body audits companies. One hundred and twenty three nonconformity reports from six companies that have been audited periodically from 2000 to 2004 by the certification body have been analyzed and classified. Thirty-four causes of nonconformity were found in 10 areas. The research showed that corrective actions for nonconformity were closely connected with all management activities. Consequently, specific corrective actions should be implemented to achieve ISO 9001 quality standards in architectural design and engineering firms.