Description
This study empirically examines the extent to which Total Quality Management (TQM) and project performance are correlated and the effects of TQM on project performance.
11
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY
MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE
CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
Nashwan Mohammed Noman Saeed
(1)
and Awad Sad Hasan
(2)
Abstract
This study empirically examines the extent to which Total Quality
Management (TQM) and project performance are correlated and the effects
of TQM on project performance. In this study, a TQM framework is
developed according to a comprehensive literature review. This framework
demonstrates the relationship between TQM and construction project
performance through examining the effects of nine TQM constructs on three
element levels of project performance. The proposed model and hypotheses
were tested by using data collected from Yemen construction firms. The
survey covered 40 companies chosen from construction sector (30%of
sample size). 29 questionnaires were returned. The response rate was 72.5
%, normal for such research). The results of this aforementioned model
support the proposed hypothesis (TQM has positive effects on teamwork
satisfaction, quality of construction project implementation, client
satisfaction, and construction project performance. Finally, this research
culminates with TQM process for improving construction project
performance, a discussion and the general conclusions are extracted in the
light of the survey findings. The results finding are expected to provide
useful information for future research directions especially as an indicator
for the development of a suitable TQM framework for the construction firms.
Keywords: TQM framework, TQM constructs, project performance, construction in
Yemen.
1- Ministry of public work & road, republic of Yemen, Phone No. 00967770254420-
00967735218373
2- Sudan University for science and technology
12
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
1. Introduction
TQM is a philosophy with a system science point of view that focuses
on continuous improvement within the organization so as to provide
superior value to customers. The current generation of TQM concepts is
based on the quality theory and approaches suggested by [12, 14, & 17].
The central theme of TQM stresses three principles, i.e. customer
satisfaction, employee involvement, and process improvement. The
rationale for conducting this research is the need to examine the effect of
TQM in construction project performance and make TQM process to use it
to improve construction project performance in Yemen, in identifying these
effects as have been indicated in the literature in this area. A number of
empirical studies reported the positive effects of applying the TQM
paradigm in construction firms. Some researchers have examined the
implementation of total quality management (TQM) and its positive impacts
on organization performance [21, 29, & 30]. Equally, many empirical
studies examine the effect of TQM in construction firms [1, 13, 23, 26, 27& 29].
What is the TQM process needed to improve construction project
performance? So far there is no published research that answers this
question. This study investigates this issue using data from construction
firms in Yemen. Using empirical data collected from Yemen construction
firms; this study aims to examine the effect of TQM on the performance of
the construction project. It seeks to assist contractors in identifying the
positive effects for the implementation of TQM and presenting aspects of
TQM. More attention will be given to investigate the following: (1) To
propose an effect framework (model) for TQM on construction project
performance. (2) To examine possible steps for restructuring an organization
for TQM.
The key research questions addressed in this study are (1) what is the
effect of TQM on: Employee satisfaction, Quality of Construction project
implementation, Client satisfaction, Construction Project performance?
(2)What is the type of TQM model effect on Yemen construction firms?
(3)What is the TQM process needed to improve construction project
performance? This paper is organized as follows. Section 1 presents a
13
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
literature review and the conceptual model. Section 2 research methodology.
Data analysis and discussion are provided in Section 3. Section 4 provides
conclusions and finally, section 5 provides reverences.
1.1 Literature review and research model
Firms have arrived at the conclusion that effective TQM implementation
can improve their competitive abilities and provide strategic advantages in
the marketplace [5]. Several researchers also reported that TQM
implementation has led to improvements in quality, productivity, and
competitiveness in only 20-30% of the firms that have implemented it [9]. A
study conducted by [25] indicated that a 90% improvement rate in employee
relations, operating procedures, customer satisfaction, and financial
performance is achieved due to TQM implementation. Some researchers
have examined the implementation of total quality management (TQM) and
its positive impacts on organization performance [20, 27 & 30]. In the
research by Low [23] outlined the following basic framework for
implementing TQM in construction firms namely: customer feedback
system, continuous improvement, encourage teamwork, reduce number of
suppliers, process management and improvement through productivity
study, effective communication system, top management, review
organizational culture, produce training plans, establish monitoring process.
The paper by Ahmed [1] pointed out how construction professionals
implement TQM and its tools in their projects in the different stages (design
and construction). From the results and conclusions from each case study
included in this paper, its clearly now that TQM is not a fad and how much
benefits that TQM can bring to your construction business (Improve
business quality, increase customer satisfaction, reduce cost, save time and
much more).The reason that the construction industry has arrived late to
TQM is that the construction professionals unaware of the TQM principles
and techniques. To bring these benefits to the construction industry, more
efforts must be made to spread the culture of TQM among the construction
professionals and TQM courses must be in the engineering under graduated
programs.
The study by Rizwan [26] aims at analyzing the significance and
willingness of contracting firms regarding implementation of (TQM) to
14
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
Pakistani construction industry. After analysis and statistical sorting of data
were based on extensive industry surveys via questionnaires and one-to-one
interviews with key contractors of the existing market. The current practices
infer the average attitude of the contractors towards the importance of
adopting TQM. The aspects that were targeted such as quality in the
organization employee training, and organizational culture, seem to be
slightly appreciable. Also partnering is known by almost everyone in the
industry but they show a low response in this regard. Lacking of having a
concise and exact definition of quality was also observed. The fragmented
nature of the industry is a big hurdle in TQM application. Lack of education
is also one of the reasons why TQM would fail. In addition, corruption,
negligence and irresponsibility are also critical issues. Contractors are
apprehensive in adopting TQM philosophy as they have a myopic view and
are unable to realize its long term benefit. Implementing TQM requires a
major organizational change that would transform the culture, process,
strategic priorities and belief of an organization. Apart from commitment
top management must educate its employees on the need of TQM so that it
will help to reduce the amount of work for employees if they no longer need
to attend the customer complaints and defect problems. In the research by
[23] outlined the following basic framework for implementing TQM in
construction firms namely: customer feedback system, continuous
improvement, encourage teamwork, reduce number of suppliers, process
management and improvement through productivity study, effective
communication system, top management, review organizational culture,
produce training plans and establish monitoring process.
In the paper by [9] indicated the importance of TQM implementation
followed by continuous improvement, top management role, customer
focus, and teamwork; and effort commitment is the most factor of
organizational commitment.
Bhimaraya pointed the first outlines the imperatives of quality and its
initiatives in the construction industry. Based on the comprehensive analysis
and examination of existing TQM frameworks and literature, the paper
proposes the 10 critical success factors (CSFs) of TQM for construction
industry , namely, top management commitment, quality culture, strategic
quality management design quality management, process management,
15
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
supplier quality management, education and training, empowerment and
involvement, information and analysis, and customer satisfaction.
The research model in this study consists of 12 elements divided into
two parts. The first part, TQM elements which contains the following
elements (top management commitment, supplier quality management,
construction project design, participation, recognition & reward,
empowerment & involvement, design change, education & training, client
focus).The second part contains
client satisfaction, employee satisfaction,
quality of project implementation & finishing).In this model there are four
new elements two in first part; (construction project design and design
change) and two in second part; (client satisfaction and quality of project
implementation). See figure 2.
1.2 Research framework and hypotheses
The research model in this study consist of 12 elements divided into
two part, TQM elements (top management commitment, supplier quality
management, construction project design, participation, recognition &
reward, empowerment & involvement, design change, education & training,
client focus) and project performance (client satisfaction, employee
satisfaction, quality of project implementation & finishing). See figure (1)
below. In recent years, much research has been conducted on the effects of
TQM implementation on project performance. Many researchers, in one
way or other, have argued that it has positive effects on client satisfaction,
quality of construction project performance, employee satisfaction, and
project performance. [1, 23, 26, 30].
In order to achieve the objectives of this study the following hypotheses
were developed:
TQM has an effect on client satisfaction
TQM has an effect on employee satisfaction
TQM has an effect on quality of construction implementation
TQM has an effect on project performance
16
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
Figure (1):Theoretical Model of TQM Constructs and construction project Performance.
2. Research Methodology
2.1 Research Instruments
The primary research instrument for this study is a literature review. The
literature review identified what the concept of TQM is. Thus the first
research question, !What is the concept of TQM?" was answered. Similarly,
the literature review on all aspects of construction project performance
identified what is important for measuring organization construction project
performance. Thus, the second research question, !What is construction
project performance within TQM?" was answered. The second research
instrument is a questionnaire survey. A questionnaire survey can be used
only when the objective of the study is clear and not complex [30]. In the
area of TQM, much research has been conducted using questionnaire
Quality of
construction
project
satisfaction
Employee
satisfaction
Client
Satisfaction
Construction
Project
performance
H3Q:+
TQM
H4D:+
H5Q:+
H62:+
H2Q:+
H4Q:+
H3D:+
H1Q:+
H61:+
17
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
surveys to collect information [1, 5, 16, 20 & 30]. All of these researchers
developed their questionnaire for data collection, and their questionnaire
different from each other. After study all these questionnaire, it was
determined that none fully met the requirement of this research. Therefore,
it was necessary to develop a new research questionnaire. Based on there
questionnaire survey and the concepts theoretical of TQM effect, and the 9
TQM affection constructs, questionnaire for this study were developed.
Generally, questionnaires were used to obtain a large database of TQM with
a low level of details. In this study, Based on the existing theories, deduces
hypotheses from it, and proceeds to test these hypotheses. The questionnaire
survey was used to obtain information about TQM affection and
construction project performance from a wide range of Yemen construction
firms. So the third research question-!What are the effects of TQM on:
Construction project teamwork, Construction project product quality, Client
satisfaction, Construction Project performance (In Yemen construction
firm)" and four question "what is the type of TQM model effect on Yemen
construction firms?" were answer by using questionnaire surveys.
2.2 Survey Sample.
Construction firms in Sana'a city were selected for investigation due to
the citys position as one of the most important city in Yemen; its the
capital of Yemen, as well as for reasons of practicality and convenience
perceived by the author. The type of samples and the number of firms were
determined on the basis of meeting the information requirements for the
research. In this research, all of the investigated firms were from Sana'a city,
where there were more than 200 construction firms. Most of construction
firms were found in Sana'a city Thus the samples from Sana'a city were
enough for this research purpose. Although the selected samples were
limited to construction firms in the Sana'a city, it was assumed that the
samples from Sana'a city might represent the whole situation of construction
firms in Yemen. Therefore, the research results might be generalized to all
construction firms in Yemen. The ministry of public work and road provide
the author with a firm name list. In Yemen, there were 219 construction
firms classified in to 6 classes (class 1 to 6). There are 134 construction
firms from classes (1 to 3) and a sample study was chosen from this classes.
A sample of 40 construction firm was normally selected from the list
18
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
(30%of sample size). After the 40 firms were randomly selected, deliver 40
questionnaires by hand to the firms selected. Finally 29 questionnaires were
return. The response rate was 72.5%, normal for such research. Of the 40
construction firms, they classified as follow: - 12 were first class, 10 were
second class, and 7 were third class.
2.3 Measurement Evaluation
Table (1) below lists Cranach's alpha for different TQM effects scales.
This table shows that the reliability coefficients ranged from 0.8985 to
0.9440, indicating that some scales were more reliable than others.
Accordingly, the instrument developed for measuring TQM effects
constructs was judged to be reliable.
Table (1): Cronbachs alpha for different TQM implementation scales
Scale address
NO.
Of items
Cronbachs
alpha
1
Top management commitment and
leadership 10 .8985
2
Employee empowerment and
involvement 9 .9063
3 Employee participation and teamwork 11 .9078
4 Recognition and reward 12 .9046
5 Education and training 11 .9121
6 Change of construction design 6 .9440
7 Supplier quality management 11 .9121
8 Construction project design 9 .9069
9 Client focus 6 .9072
2.4 Descriptive analysis and Statistical Testing
Be described in this section, view and analyze the answers vocabulary of
the study sample, where the discharge answers contained lists of resolution
in the statements of the stomach, and the development marks corresponding
to the opinion referred to by the respondent or interviewee in the
questionnaire (study tool), according to a scale (Likert) gradually quintet,
which allows five options for respondent in answer to paragraphs of
resolution associated with the variables of study and of (b application of
total quality management in construction companies - a case study
19
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
"construction companies in Yemen") so determines Category one answer for
each paragraph of between 5 alternatives are available, namely, (strongly
agree - agree - natural - I do not agree - strongly disagree) and to reverse
those answers in the form of account numbers easily treated statistically,
given her values, respectively(5.4,3,2.1). For the purpose of interpretation
and discuss the results of statistical analysis of data collected, will be relying
on that over the arithmetic mean of the response of the respondents,
compared with a range of cells to likert scale (the length of cells of the
scale) as a measurement standards upon which to assess the responses of the
subjects that will be calculated in the following way: Upper and lower limits
for the cell scale to be determined calculates the range (5-1 = 4) and then
dividing by the number of cells of the scale for the length of the cell proper
(4/5 = 0.80), is then add this value to the lowest value in the scale, which is
equal to (1) to determine the upper limit for the first cell, and thus became
the standard length of the cells as follows: Measure taken in the
interpretation of responses of respondents to the paragraphs of resolution
Table (2): The correlation the length of cells
The arithmetic average degree of approval
Strongly Agree 5 - 4.20
Agree 4.19 $ 3.40
Normal 3.39 $ 2.60
Disagree 2.59 $ 1.80
strongly disagree Less than 1.80
The researcher used center hypothesis for the study (3) is calculated from
the following formula: U = (1+2+ 3+ 4+ 5) / 5 = 15/5 = 3
Include resolution 102 items distributed in two parts the first part on the
nine themes (leadership and commitment of top management - with a
quality management - design construction projects - teamwork and
participation of team work - recognition and reward - the mandate and the
link for users - change the design of construction projects - Education and
Training - Focus on customers), while the second part contains four axes
(client satisfaction - quality of project implementation - construction
teamwork satisfaction - performance of the project).
20
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
2.5 Model Testing
The hypothesized theoretical model consists of 9 TQM effects constructs
and four construction project performance constructs, and includes 16
hypotheses that will be tested. The 9 TQM effects constructs are treated as
directly observed or measured variables, which are independent. The values
of each construct can be calculated by summing the scores of each item in
that construct. Q1, Q2, , Q9 are used to represent the 9 independent ariables.
There are four dependent variables: construction teamwork satisfaction,
quality of construction project implementation, client satisfaction, and
construction project performance. There are three items to measure
construction teamwork satisfaction, seven items to measure quality of
construction project implementation, two items to measure customer
satisfaction, and five items to measure construction project performance.
The four dependent variables can be represented as Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4,
respectively. see figure (2)
21
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
Figure (2): Testing the Theoretical Model of TQM effects Constructs and construction
project Performance
Hypothesis was confirmed
Hypothesis was not confirmed
Education and training Q5
Change design Q9
Client focus Q8
Top management
commitment and
leadership Q1
Employee empowerment
and involvement Q2
Employee participation
and teamwork Q3
Recognition and reward
Q4
Construction project
design Q7
Supplier quality
management Q6
Quality of
constructi
on
project
satisfacti
on
Project
teamwork
satisfaction
Y1
Client
Satisfaction
Y2
Constructi
on Project
performa
nce
Y4
.
5
6
1
.
5
9
4
(
.
0
0
1
)
.572 (.001)
(.082)
.702
(.000)
.610
.626
(.000)
.601
(.001)
.638
(.000)
.608 (.001)
.546
(.002)
.
6
0
5
(
.
0
0
1
)
.610 (.000)
.
6
0
2
(
.
0
0
0
)
(.508)
(
.
4
4
3
)
22
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
3. Data Analysis and Discussion
The researcher presented the results of the questionnaire analysis in bar
chart and tables (graphs specified as per the questionnaire). see table (3).
Table (3): Data analysis of TQM elements
Q. No items N0 mean
Normative
deviation
t- value
Degree of
freedom
Sig.
Degree of
accept
1
Top
management
commitment
29 2.8759 .6881 22.494 28 .000 Natural
2
Supplier quality
management
29 2.9937 .4256 37.875 28 .000 Natural
3
Construction
project design
29 3.4559 .4846 6.594 28 .000 agree
4
Employee
Participation
29 3.0065 .5431 .063 28 .950 Nature
5
Recognition &
reward
29 3.0201 .7710 .140 28 .889 Nature
6
Empowerment
& involvement
29 2.8889 .5665 -1.056 28 .300 Nature
7
Project Design
change
29 3.5000 .3908 6.889 28 .000 Agree
8
Education &
training
29 2.443 .6724 -4.419 28 .000 Disagree
9 Client focus 29 2.9598 .5953 -.364 28 .719 Nature
10 Client satisfied 29 3.4655 .7784 3.221 28 .000 Satisfied
11
Employee
satisfied
29 4.5977 .4119 20.887 28 .000 Nature
12
Quality of
construction
project.
Implementation
29 3.0246 .4371 .303 28 .764 Nature
The questionnaire finding revealed that top management commitment
& leadership has positive effect on employee satisfaction (p
This study empirically examines the extent to which Total Quality Management (TQM) and project performance are correlated and the effects of TQM on project performance.
11
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY
MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE
CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
Nashwan Mohammed Noman Saeed
(1)
and Awad Sad Hasan
(2)
Abstract
This study empirically examines the extent to which Total Quality
Management (TQM) and project performance are correlated and the effects
of TQM on project performance. In this study, a TQM framework is
developed according to a comprehensive literature review. This framework
demonstrates the relationship between TQM and construction project
performance through examining the effects of nine TQM constructs on three
element levels of project performance. The proposed model and hypotheses
were tested by using data collected from Yemen construction firms. The
survey covered 40 companies chosen from construction sector (30%of
sample size). 29 questionnaires were returned. The response rate was 72.5
%, normal for such research). The results of this aforementioned model
support the proposed hypothesis (TQM has positive effects on teamwork
satisfaction, quality of construction project implementation, client
satisfaction, and construction project performance. Finally, this research
culminates with TQM process for improving construction project
performance, a discussion and the general conclusions are extracted in the
light of the survey findings. The results finding are expected to provide
useful information for future research directions especially as an indicator
for the development of a suitable TQM framework for the construction firms.
Keywords: TQM framework, TQM constructs, project performance, construction in
Yemen.
1- Ministry of public work & road, republic of Yemen, Phone No. 00967770254420-
00967735218373
2- Sudan University for science and technology
12
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
1. Introduction
TQM is a philosophy with a system science point of view that focuses
on continuous improvement within the organization so as to provide
superior value to customers. The current generation of TQM concepts is
based on the quality theory and approaches suggested by [12, 14, & 17].
The central theme of TQM stresses three principles, i.e. customer
satisfaction, employee involvement, and process improvement. The
rationale for conducting this research is the need to examine the effect of
TQM in construction project performance and make TQM process to use it
to improve construction project performance in Yemen, in identifying these
effects as have been indicated in the literature in this area. A number of
empirical studies reported the positive effects of applying the TQM
paradigm in construction firms. Some researchers have examined the
implementation of total quality management (TQM) and its positive impacts
on organization performance [21, 29, & 30]. Equally, many empirical
studies examine the effect of TQM in construction firms [1, 13, 23, 26, 27& 29].
What is the TQM process needed to improve construction project
performance? So far there is no published research that answers this
question. This study investigates this issue using data from construction
firms in Yemen. Using empirical data collected from Yemen construction
firms; this study aims to examine the effect of TQM on the performance of
the construction project. It seeks to assist contractors in identifying the
positive effects for the implementation of TQM and presenting aspects of
TQM. More attention will be given to investigate the following: (1) To
propose an effect framework (model) for TQM on construction project
performance. (2) To examine possible steps for restructuring an organization
for TQM.
The key research questions addressed in this study are (1) what is the
effect of TQM on: Employee satisfaction, Quality of Construction project
implementation, Client satisfaction, Construction Project performance?
(2)What is the type of TQM model effect on Yemen construction firms?
(3)What is the TQM process needed to improve construction project
performance? This paper is organized as follows. Section 1 presents a
13
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
literature review and the conceptual model. Section 2 research methodology.
Data analysis and discussion are provided in Section 3. Section 4 provides
conclusions and finally, section 5 provides reverences.
1.1 Literature review and research model
Firms have arrived at the conclusion that effective TQM implementation
can improve their competitive abilities and provide strategic advantages in
the marketplace [5]. Several researchers also reported that TQM
implementation has led to improvements in quality, productivity, and
competitiveness in only 20-30% of the firms that have implemented it [9]. A
study conducted by [25] indicated that a 90% improvement rate in employee
relations, operating procedures, customer satisfaction, and financial
performance is achieved due to TQM implementation. Some researchers
have examined the implementation of total quality management (TQM) and
its positive impacts on organization performance [20, 27 & 30]. In the
research by Low [23] outlined the following basic framework for
implementing TQM in construction firms namely: customer feedback
system, continuous improvement, encourage teamwork, reduce number of
suppliers, process management and improvement through productivity
study, effective communication system, top management, review
organizational culture, produce training plans, establish monitoring process.
The paper by Ahmed [1] pointed out how construction professionals
implement TQM and its tools in their projects in the different stages (design
and construction). From the results and conclusions from each case study
included in this paper, its clearly now that TQM is not a fad and how much
benefits that TQM can bring to your construction business (Improve
business quality, increase customer satisfaction, reduce cost, save time and
much more).The reason that the construction industry has arrived late to
TQM is that the construction professionals unaware of the TQM principles
and techniques. To bring these benefits to the construction industry, more
efforts must be made to spread the culture of TQM among the construction
professionals and TQM courses must be in the engineering under graduated
programs.
The study by Rizwan [26] aims at analyzing the significance and
willingness of contracting firms regarding implementation of (TQM) to
14
Journal of Science & Technology
Vol. (17) No. (2) 2012
THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
Pakistani construction industry. After analysis and statistical sorting of data
were based on extensive industry surveys via questionnaires and one-to-one
interviews with key contractors of the existing market. The current practices
infer the average attitude of the contractors towards the importance of
adopting TQM. The aspects that were targeted such as quality in the
organization employee training, and organizational culture, seem to be
slightly appreciable. Also partnering is known by almost everyone in the
industry but they show a low response in this regard. Lacking of having a
concise and exact definition of quality was also observed. The fragmented
nature of the industry is a big hurdle in TQM application. Lack of education
is also one of the reasons why TQM would fail. In addition, corruption,
negligence and irresponsibility are also critical issues. Contractors are
apprehensive in adopting TQM philosophy as they have a myopic view and
are unable to realize its long term benefit. Implementing TQM requires a
major organizational change that would transform the culture, process,
strategic priorities and belief of an organization. Apart from commitment
top management must educate its employees on the need of TQM so that it
will help to reduce the amount of work for employees if they no longer need
to attend the customer complaints and defect problems. In the research by
[23] outlined the following basic framework for implementing TQM in
construction firms namely: customer feedback system, continuous
improvement, encourage teamwork, reduce number of suppliers, process
management and improvement through productivity study, effective
communication system, top management, review organizational culture,
produce training plans and establish monitoring process.
In the paper by [9] indicated the importance of TQM implementation
followed by continuous improvement, top management role, customer
focus, and teamwork; and effort commitment is the most factor of
organizational commitment.
Bhimaraya pointed the first outlines the imperatives of quality and its
initiatives in the construction industry. Based on the comprehensive analysis
and examination of existing TQM frameworks and literature, the paper
proposes the 10 critical success factors (CSFs) of TQM for construction
industry , namely, top management commitment, quality culture, strategic
quality management design quality management, process management,
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supplier quality management, education and training, empowerment and
involvement, information and analysis, and customer satisfaction.
The research model in this study consists of 12 elements divided into
two parts. The first part, TQM elements which contains the following
elements (top management commitment, supplier quality management,
construction project design, participation, recognition & reward,
empowerment & involvement, design change, education & training, client
focus).The second part contains
client satisfaction, employee satisfaction,quality of project implementation & finishing).In this model there are four
new elements two in first part; (construction project design and design
change) and two in second part; (client satisfaction and quality of project
implementation). See figure 2.
1.2 Research framework and hypotheses
The research model in this study consist of 12 elements divided into
two part, TQM elements (top management commitment, supplier quality
management, construction project design, participation, recognition &
reward, empowerment & involvement, design change, education & training,
client focus) and project performance (client satisfaction, employee
satisfaction, quality of project implementation & finishing). See figure (1)
below. In recent years, much research has been conducted on the effects of
TQM implementation on project performance. Many researchers, in one
way or other, have argued that it has positive effects on client satisfaction,
quality of construction project performance, employee satisfaction, and
project performance. [1, 23, 26, 30].
In order to achieve the objectives of this study the following hypotheses
were developed:
TQM has an effect on client satisfaction
TQM has an effect on employee satisfaction
TQM has an effect on quality of construction implementation
TQM has an effect on project performance
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THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
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Figure (1):Theoretical Model of TQM Constructs and construction project Performance.
2. Research Methodology
2.1 Research Instruments
The primary research instrument for this study is a literature review. The
literature review identified what the concept of TQM is. Thus the first
research question, !What is the concept of TQM?" was answered. Similarly,
the literature review on all aspects of construction project performance
identified what is important for measuring organization construction project
performance. Thus, the second research question, !What is construction
project performance within TQM?" was answered. The second research
instrument is a questionnaire survey. A questionnaire survey can be used
only when the objective of the study is clear and not complex [30]. In the
area of TQM, much research has been conducted using questionnaire
Quality of
construction
project
satisfaction
Employee
satisfaction
Client
Satisfaction
Construction
Project
performance
H3Q:+
TQM
H4D:+
H5Q:+
H62:+
H2Q:+
H4Q:+
H3D:+
H1Q:+
H61:+
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PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
surveys to collect information [1, 5, 16, 20 & 30]. All of these researchers
developed their questionnaire for data collection, and their questionnaire
different from each other. After study all these questionnaire, it was
determined that none fully met the requirement of this research. Therefore,
it was necessary to develop a new research questionnaire. Based on there
questionnaire survey and the concepts theoretical of TQM effect, and the 9
TQM affection constructs, questionnaire for this study were developed.
Generally, questionnaires were used to obtain a large database of TQM with
a low level of details. In this study, Based on the existing theories, deduces
hypotheses from it, and proceeds to test these hypotheses. The questionnaire
survey was used to obtain information about TQM affection and
construction project performance from a wide range of Yemen construction
firms. So the third research question-!What are the effects of TQM on:
Construction project teamwork, Construction project product quality, Client
satisfaction, Construction Project performance (In Yemen construction
firm)" and four question "what is the type of TQM model effect on Yemen
construction firms?" were answer by using questionnaire surveys.
2.2 Survey Sample.
Construction firms in Sana'a city were selected for investigation due to
the citys position as one of the most important city in Yemen; its the
capital of Yemen, as well as for reasons of practicality and convenience
perceived by the author. The type of samples and the number of firms were
determined on the basis of meeting the information requirements for the
research. In this research, all of the investigated firms were from Sana'a city,
where there were more than 200 construction firms. Most of construction
firms were found in Sana'a city Thus the samples from Sana'a city were
enough for this research purpose. Although the selected samples were
limited to construction firms in the Sana'a city, it was assumed that the
samples from Sana'a city might represent the whole situation of construction
firms in Yemen. Therefore, the research results might be generalized to all
construction firms in Yemen. The ministry of public work and road provide
the author with a firm name list. In Yemen, there were 219 construction
firms classified in to 6 classes (class 1 to 6). There are 134 construction
firms from classes (1 to 3) and a sample study was chosen from this classes.
A sample of 40 construction firm was normally selected from the list
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THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
(30%of sample size). After the 40 firms were randomly selected, deliver 40
questionnaires by hand to the firms selected. Finally 29 questionnaires were
return. The response rate was 72.5%, normal for such research. Of the 40
construction firms, they classified as follow: - 12 were first class, 10 were
second class, and 7 were third class.
2.3 Measurement Evaluation
Table (1) below lists Cranach's alpha for different TQM effects scales.
This table shows that the reliability coefficients ranged from 0.8985 to
0.9440, indicating that some scales were more reliable than others.
Accordingly, the instrument developed for measuring TQM effects
constructs was judged to be reliable.
Table (1): Cronbachs alpha for different TQM implementation scales
Scale address
NO.
Of items
Cronbachs
alpha
1
Top management commitment and
leadership 10 .8985
2
Employee empowerment and
involvement 9 .9063
3 Employee participation and teamwork 11 .9078
4 Recognition and reward 12 .9046
5 Education and training 11 .9121
6 Change of construction design 6 .9440
7 Supplier quality management 11 .9121
8 Construction project design 9 .9069
9 Client focus 6 .9072
2.4 Descriptive analysis and Statistical Testing
Be described in this section, view and analyze the answers vocabulary of
the study sample, where the discharge answers contained lists of resolution
in the statements of the stomach, and the development marks corresponding
to the opinion referred to by the respondent or interviewee in the
questionnaire (study tool), according to a scale (Likert) gradually quintet,
which allows five options for respondent in answer to paragraphs of
resolution associated with the variables of study and of (b application of
total quality management in construction companies - a case study
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PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
"construction companies in Yemen") so determines Category one answer for
each paragraph of between 5 alternatives are available, namely, (strongly
agree - agree - natural - I do not agree - strongly disagree) and to reverse
those answers in the form of account numbers easily treated statistically,
given her values, respectively(5.4,3,2.1). For the purpose of interpretation
and discuss the results of statistical analysis of data collected, will be relying
on that over the arithmetic mean of the response of the respondents,
compared with a range of cells to likert scale (the length of cells of the
scale) as a measurement standards upon which to assess the responses of the
subjects that will be calculated in the following way: Upper and lower limits
for the cell scale to be determined calculates the range (5-1 = 4) and then
dividing by the number of cells of the scale for the length of the cell proper
(4/5 = 0.80), is then add this value to the lowest value in the scale, which is
equal to (1) to determine the upper limit for the first cell, and thus became
the standard length of the cells as follows: Measure taken in the
interpretation of responses of respondents to the paragraphs of resolution
Table (2): The correlation the length of cells
The arithmetic average degree of approval
Strongly Agree 5 - 4.20
Agree 4.19 $ 3.40
Normal 3.39 $ 2.60
Disagree 2.59 $ 1.80
strongly disagree Less than 1.80
The researcher used center hypothesis for the study (3) is calculated from
the following formula: U = (1+2+ 3+ 4+ 5) / 5 = 15/5 = 3
Include resolution 102 items distributed in two parts the first part on the
nine themes (leadership and commitment of top management - with a
quality management - design construction projects - teamwork and
participation of team work - recognition and reward - the mandate and the
link for users - change the design of construction projects - Education and
Training - Focus on customers), while the second part contains four axes
(client satisfaction - quality of project implementation - construction
teamwork satisfaction - performance of the project).
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THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
2.5 Model Testing
The hypothesized theoretical model consists of 9 TQM effects constructs
and four construction project performance constructs, and includes 16
hypotheses that will be tested. The 9 TQM effects constructs are treated as
directly observed or measured variables, which are independent. The values
of each construct can be calculated by summing the scores of each item in
that construct. Q1, Q2, , Q9 are used to represent the 9 independent ariables.
There are four dependent variables: construction teamwork satisfaction,
quality of construction project implementation, client satisfaction, and
construction project performance. There are three items to measure
construction teamwork satisfaction, seven items to measure quality of
construction project implementation, two items to measure customer
satisfaction, and five items to measure construction project performance.
The four dependent variables can be represented as Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4,
respectively. see figure (2)
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THE EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT PERFORMANCE CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN YEMEN
Figure (2): Testing the Theoretical Model of TQM effects Constructs and construction
project Performance
Hypothesis was confirmed
Hypothesis was not confirmed
Education and training Q5
Change design Q9
Client focus Q8
Top management
commitment and
leadership Q1
Employee empowerment
and involvement Q2
Employee participation
and teamwork Q3
Recognition and reward
Q4
Construction project
design Q7
Supplier quality
management Q6
Quality of
constructi
on
project
satisfacti
on
Project
teamwork
satisfaction
Y1
Client
Satisfaction
Y2
Constructi
on Project
performa
nce
Y4
.
5
6
1
.
5
9
4
(
.
0
0
1
)
.572 (.001)
(.082)
.702
(.000)
.610
.626
(.000)
.601
(.001)
.638
(.000)
.608 (.001)
.546
(.002)
.
6
0
5
(
.
0
0
1
)
.610 (.000)
.
6
0
2
(
.
0
0
0
)
(.508)
(
.
4
4
3
)
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3. Data Analysis and Discussion
The researcher presented the results of the questionnaire analysis in bar
chart and tables (graphs specified as per the questionnaire). see table (3).
Table (3): Data analysis of TQM elements
Q. No items N0 mean
Normative
deviation
t- value
Degree of
freedom
Sig.
Degree of
accept
1
Top
management
commitment
29 2.8759 .6881 22.494 28 .000 Natural
2
Supplier quality
management
29 2.9937 .4256 37.875 28 .000 Natural
3
Construction
project design
29 3.4559 .4846 6.594 28 .000 agree
4
Employee
Participation
29 3.0065 .5431 .063 28 .950 Nature
5
Recognition &
reward
29 3.0201 .7710 .140 28 .889 Nature
6
Empowerment
& involvement
29 2.8889 .5665 -1.056 28 .300 Nature
7
Project Design
change
29 3.5000 .3908 6.889 28 .000 Agree
8
Education &
training
29 2.443 .6724 -4.419 28 .000 Disagree
9 Client focus 29 2.9598 .5953 -.364 28 .719 Nature
10 Client satisfied 29 3.4655 .7784 3.221 28 .000 Satisfied
11
Employee
satisfied
29 4.5977 .4119 20.887 28 .000 Nature
12
Quality of
construction
project.
Implementation
29 3.0246 .4371 .303 28 .764 Nature
The questionnaire finding revealed that top management commitment
& leadership has positive effect on employee satisfaction (p