On-demand Webinar

View Important Policies and System Requirements for this course.

Instructor:  Stuart G. Walesh, Ph.D., P.E., F.NSPE, Dist.M.ASCE

Course Length: 1.5 Hours

Purpose and Background

All of us – A/E/C’s, clients, and government entities – are for quality! But what is quality, especially in the consulting business and the public sector? Is it opulence, perfection, standard-setting, or something else? Why do engineers, in particular, struggle with delivering quality?

Quality is carefully and completely defined, in terms of three components, at the beginning of this webinar. Quality assurance (Q/A) and quality control (Q/C) are explained. QA/QC tips are offered consistent with the teachings of W. Edwards Deming and this statement by Phil Crosby: “Quality is free. It’s not a gift, but it is free. What costs money are the unquality things—all the actions that involve not doing jobs right the first time.”

This webinar addresses both individual engineers and engineering organizations. Presented is practical advice for A/E/C’s and public entities so that they can meet the wants and needs of their clients and stakeholders. Participants receive a detailed handout on which the webinar will draw. The handout includes references to articles, books, e-newsletters, websites and other self-study materials.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Appreciate the difference between QC and QA
  • List the 3 legs of quality
  • Know 7 team thinking/collaboration tools and techniques
  • Explore 13 ideas for establishing an organizational quality program

Webinar Benefits

  • Distinguish between quality and perfection
  • Understand QA and QC
  • Learn how to achieve quality
  • Adopt a realistic approach to exceeding expectations
  • Strengthen relationships with clients and stakeholders
  • Each attendee will earn 1.5 Professional Development Hours (1.5 PDHs)

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

This webinar is intended for younger and middle level A/E/C and government personnel who manage or work on project teams and are uncertain about how to achieve quality. They recognize that quality is important but find it elusive and need practical advice.

Webinar Outline

  • TQM and other quality movements
  • Quality defined
  • The three legs of quality
  • The trap for engineers
  • QA and QC
  • Wants vs. needs
  • Governing criteria
  • Standard of care
  • Thinking upstream, not downstream
  • QA/QC and the project work plan
  • Best practices: Don’t reinvent the wheel
  • Checking: Meet your responsibility
  • Leveraging organizational knowledge
  • Quality tools
  • Creating a quality program
  • Resources for additional study

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]