Effective implementation of total quality management within the Nigerian construction industry

Ahaotu, SM

Abstract

Today’s commercial environment demands the adoption of Total Quality Management (TQM), which a managerial approach that aims to achieve customer satisfaction and global competitiveness. Therefore, TQM is a systematic approach that views quality as the result of the integration of many organisational activities, i.e. engineering/construction, manufacturing, marketing and administration. Nevertheless, construction sector projects have long suffered from high fragmentation, considerable waste, poor productivity, cost and time overruns, and conflicts and disputes. This study develops a framework for the effective implementation of TQM within the Nigerian construction industry. The research focuses on construction projects undertaken by local construction organisations in Nigeria that originates locally and operates within the immediate project vicinity, state or country. It explores the significant contribution of the TQM philosophy to the Nigerian construction industry. The epistemological positioning of this research leans towards interpretivism, where an opinion survey with expert (interviews with expert) and a more general questionnaire survey were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts based on their experience in the construction sector, and 173 completed questionnaires were analysed. The questionnaire survey explores the capacity and the understanding of TQM amongst the indigenous firms within the Nigerian construction industry.
Research findings highlighted two main challenges, which are leadership and communication. The data analysis informed the development of a framework for effective TQM implementation, which is intended to function as a guideline for construction industries in Nigeria. The development of a framework helped to identify impediments to the effective implementation of TQM within the Nigerian construction industry. This research highlights that such barriers are similar to those amongst similar organisations from different parts of the world. However, the impacts of some notable indicators, such as undesirable organisational behaviour regarding communication and leadership, have never previously been identified as impediments to TQM adoption. It is anticipated that the framework will help to improve the awareness and understanding of individuals and organisations about the implementation of TQM in the Nigerian construction industry and its potential impact on project performance.

Citation

Ahaotu, S. (in press). Effective implementation of total quality management within the Nigerian construction industry. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Acceptance Date: Jan 31, 2019
• Deposit Date: Feb 11, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 11, 2019
• Award Date: Jan 9, 2019