Total quality management practices and its impact on Indian construction projects

Abstract

Introduction: The current competitiveness in the business arena of the construction industry has forced players to improve and optimise, forcing them to adopt the iterating process of continuous improvement that ensures the adequate quality of projects, in addition to moderating the cost and time involved in their implementation, the three of which have collectively been recognised as the primary factors causing the client's approval or disfavour in relation to a project. Purpose: The primary intention of the current study is to analyse the effects of total quality management (TQM) practices for construction projects and their impact on productivity, cost reduction, quality of service, customer satisfaction and Timeliness of Service by conceptualising a model using second-generation partial least squares (PLS) structural equation model (SEM) approach in Tamil Nadu. Design/Methodology: The primary data have been gathered through a sample survey collected from 94 respondents from Chennai, Kanchipuram, Coimbatore, Trichy, Karur and Tirunelveli districts of Tamil Nadu through the questionnaire. The responses were collected from various professionals in the field, such as project managers, contractors, engineers, consultants and supervisors. Findings: This study also confirmed a significant and positive relationship between TQM practices and the performance of construction projects. TQM factors such as Benchmarking (BM), Employee Involvement and Empowerment (EMPINV), Innovation (INNOV), Supplier Quality Management (SPQM) and Technical (TECHN) are significant in determining the project's outcome by 79.5%. Practical implications: The study's finding is of utmost importance because it helps build strategies and policies for the construction industry in the global competitive scenario, in promoting credibility and in increasing customer satisfaction.