Measuring the Performance Gap for the Application and Documentation of ISO 17043 - A Case Study in the Construction Laboratories of the General Company for the Implementation of Transport Projects

Abstract

The construction laboratories are one of the most important foundations for assessing conformity of materials and construction clauses with the specifications, which occupies the fore position in the implementation of infrastructure projects according to the requirements of the beneficiaries. Fulfilling this conformity requires knowing the scope of documentation and application of the ISO 17043 specification and measuring its gap. This research was prepared where the case study method and checklist were used in accordance with the requirements and clauses of the researched standard, which consisted of two requirements and twenty-five sub-clauses. Twenty-five questions were prepared in accordance with the sub-clauses of the standard as well. A number of statistical methods, which include the mean, frequencies, percentages, and the Ishkawa chart were used in the analysis of the results. The results of the research included a gap in the documentation and implementation of the ISO 17043 standard by (53.6%), as well as a gap was calculated for the technical requirements by (56%) and a gap in documenting and implementing the requirements of the management system by (52%). The research concluded that the application of the researched standard helps in measuring the performance of the researched laboratory, comparing its results with the results of other laboratories, and identifying opportunities for improvement and development through the use of a proficiency testing program supervised by a team or providers of proficiency testing. The research is considered a scientific tool in how to assess the reality of laboratory performance in terms of examination or calibration or measurement and comparing its results with the number of its tests and their deviations or with the results of other sober laboratories.