Automated quality excellence evaluation

Abstract

Purpose We aim to enhance quality level organization by applying the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) excellence model. We do this through analysis of current quality management trends, defining the EFQMmodel structure and criteria (Figure 1) and the potential to introduce these with construction companies. We also propose an electronic manual and an automated evaluation system of the criteria and subcriteria of the EFQM-model by company management and also by external auditors. Method Selected scientific methods of problem solution can be divided into two main groups: empirical and logical (scientific analysis and synthesis). The empirical method was applied to an electronic survey that aimed to determine knowledge of the EFQM-model and its practical use by companies operating in Slovakia. The logical method was utilized for the problem-solving analysis and synthesis. The method of scientific analysis was used to evaluate the current issue of the quality of the management level, EFQM-implementation in the construction sector, analysis of criteria and subcriteria of the EFQM-model, exploring the possibilities of applying the EFQMmodel in a construction company, and an examination of existing systems of assessment under the EFQM-model. The scientific synthesis method was used during EFQM-model development and implementation, including the creation of an electronic manual, and during the process of automated evaluation system of construction company management quality. Results & Discussion Our research work resulted in a methodology and an electronic manual allowing construction companies to effectively introduce and implement EFQM-model requirements in a relatively short period of time with the aim of constantly improving performance. The defined methodology suggests and explains the sequence of steps towards EFQM-model application; the electronic manual describes all of the EFQM-model subcriteria and provides concrete suggestions and solutions to meet them. The section of the manual dealing with the automated electronic system for construction companies was verified by a real company. Application of the methodology and manual enabled us in a short time to evaluate the company's quality of management and to identify opportunities for continuous quality improvement. ENABLERS (500 points) RESULTS (500 points) Leadership 100 points People 100 points Strategy and policy 100 points Partnerships and resources 100 points Processes, products and services 100 points People results 100 points Customer results 150 points Society results 100 points Key results 150 points

Houses Based on Wood as an Ecological and Sustainable Housing Alternative—Case Study

“…In addition to the other advantages mentioned, wood-based MMCs are characterized by the so-called dry construction method, which allows construction to be carried out even in winter months [53][54][55]. Modern wood-based construction systems have excellent thermal and technical properties, contributing to the efficiency of use in terms of savings on heating [56,57]. A further advantage of these structures is the minimization of so-called wet processes during construction, thus not causing undesirable errors due to the built-in moisture in the structures [58][59][60], which ultimately accelerates the use of the building immediately after it is completed.…”

Perception of User Criteria in the Context of Sustainability of Modern Methods of Construction Based on Wood

“…A wooden building can be used immediately after completion, so the investment starts to appreciate immediately. Quality wooden buildings can optimise interior moisture and can naturally optimise the parameters of the internal environment [42][43][44][45][46]. Since their construction solution consists of sandwich structures, they also have good acoustic and thermal-technical properties [47][48][49].…”

Quality Parameters Perception of Modern Methods of Construction Based on Wood in the Context of Sustainability

“…Measuring efficiency presupposes establishing criteria and selecting their parameters [7]. According to Sosedová [8,24,25], a criterion or a parameter determines the degree, rule or standard, whereby it is possible to estimate the efficiency level, i.e. the extent to which the solution meets the requirements arising from the established criteria.…”