This thesis is a study of Quality Management, its use, effectiveness and acceptance by the construction industry. The objective of this research is to determine to what extent the Quality Management System (QMS) helps personnel at different levels of organizations perform their tasks. It also examines how the QMS assists them to meet the quality management expectations of their organization and to develop a methodology and appropriate mechanisms (procedures) for evaluating and measuring the effects of quality management. This research was carried out by performing an in-depth examination of the effect and impact of an implemented QMS on Hong Kong construction companies and their personnel at different levels of the organizations. This study has contributed to the knowledge currently available regarding the application of QMS. Its findings will be of general use in the construction sector and also for the industry practitioners as they will be able to apply the methods and processes developed.

The Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) notes that regulations seek to make improvements by changing individual or organisational behaviour in ways that generate positive impacts in terms of solving societal and economic problems. At its most basic level, regulations are designed to work according to implementation, leading to changes in behaviours that, in turn, lead to changes in outcomes. Such outcomes can be satisfaction in terms of an underlying problem or other (hopefully positive) changes in conditions in the world. Following this premise, this research project investigates the implications of the 2014 Construction Regulations for the Department of Public Works’ procurement system. The study also examines the contents of the construction Regulations; the impact of the Construction Regulations 2014 – permit-to-work; client / contractor procurement issues; the enforcement of compliance to permit-to-work requirements, and education and training demands in relation to health and safety (H&S) competency. The study shows that even though industry role players are relatively familiar with the Construction Regulations 2014, there is a common concern regarding competency (education and training) levels required for the implementation of the permit-to-work requirement of the regulations. The concerns focus on the ability of the Department of Labour (DoL) to process the permits. Based on the study’s findings, the research concludes that there would be cost implications for project actors when implementing the permit-to-work requirement and this cost factor could delay project initiation and planning, as well as service delivery.