REVIEW OF

ISO 9000 in construction: An examination of its application in Turkey

By A.M. Turk*

The article talks about ISO 9000 quality management system (QMS) in Turkey. The
behavior of the contractors in the industry regarding ISO 9000 is being observed. 138
construction firms representing top-level firms operating both in Turkey and international market
were selected for the study. The study aims to find out if there are any difference between the
size of the construction firms, whether or not the firms are internationally acclaimed and their
views about ISO 9000.

The author, A. M. Turk , started off analyzing the research of Landin A, Quazi HA,
Pheng LS, Dissanakaya SM, Ofori G, Gang G, Briffet C, Yates Jk, Aniftos S. ,Chin AR, Valdez
HE, Bubshait AA, Al-Atiq TH, Chung HW, Nee PA., and Faiweather V. He stated that ISO 9000
QMS standards also widely used in the construction industry like all other industries in the recent
years. In effect, many studies regarding ISO 9000 implementations in Europe, Asia, and North
America were produced. The studies questioned if ISO 9000 I an appropriate tool for
construction industry specifically construction firms. The studies also tackled the disadvantages
and advantages of the said QMS standard.

The purpose of the study is to enumerate the characteristics of the contractor firms
regarding ISO 9000 in Turkey and to document the experiences and insights of each firm. The
contribution of the study is expected to be a guide, as a future reference to supply knowledge and
experiences regarding the widespread application of ISO 9000 QMS in the construction industry
locally and internationally. In this research paper, a survey questionnaire was designed to
properly start the field study. A pilot survey was coy had to conduct among 12 firms as a result,
they had to revise the questionnaire. Afterwards, 138 construction firm members from Turkish
Construction Association were surveyed.

At the end of the study, he was able to say that there is no difference between the size of
the firms and the perceptions of forms with respect to ISO 9000 QMS. From the surveys the
advantages and disadvantages of ISO 9000. Basically, ISO 9000 is a tool for promoting the
companys image, improves the responsibilities imposed on the management and employees,
increase communication with customers, and improves control of sub-ordinates and operating
procedures. But ISO 9000 also reduce productivity of the company and restricts uniqueness of
creativity according to the surveys. In addition, reasons for seeking ISO 9000 certification were
stated like, for international market venture, for bidding contracts requiring it, soon the
certification will be mandatory and of course, the improvement of the quality management.

To conclude the research only a few number of construction firm in Turkey are certified
with ISO 9000 standards. Those companies have increase in its exiting position in the local and
international market. There is a great improvement with the help is ISO 9000 QMS.

I agree with the result of this research because like Turkey the Philippines is slowly
adapting the ISO standards and I believe the improvements of the construction industry in our
country will also increase, that we may compete to the international market and follow the
international standards. The research was very. They have presented the questionnaires and
results well. It is useful in ways that this research showcased how to assess a developing country
which only start ISO 9000 standard implementation a few years ago.
LIST OF REFERENCES

References:
A.M. Turk* (2005). ISO 9000 in construction: An examination of its application in
Turkey.Builing and Environment, 41, 501-511 .