Statistical methods are very important for manufacturing
industries in order to improve quality. 2° Oberlender underlines
the importance of statistical methods in order to
provide essential problem-solving tools to the TQM
process. The importance of statistical techniques is also
underlined by ISO 9001. However, contrary to TQM
philosophy, the use of statistical methods was found to be
in Gunaydin's survey the least important factor that affects
quality in the construction process and ranked at the very
bottom of the importance lists in the design and construction
phases by designers, constructors, and construction
managers. It can be concluded that all the professionals
involved in this study agree that the use of statistical
methods has relatively very little effect on the quality of the
construction project. This finding supports Hellard's 2t
contention that individual construction activities are
typically unique and eliminate the potential for any kind of
statistical process control.