Quality—Missing Ingredient of Engineering Engagements

Engineers pride themselves on the quality of their work, but often fail to understand that quality is subjective. Attention is called to possible conflicts between quality and safety. The definitions of quality are reviewed and the perception of quality from the viewpoints of the various stakeholders in a project is examined. The need for cooperative effort between all members of the project team is developed. The user of a project is considered as an active participant. The report of the 1985 ASCE workshop, “Quality in the Construction Project,” is reviewed. Recommendations for revision to ASCE Manual 45, “A Guide for the Engagement of Engineering Services,” are made.