Benefits and Impediments in Implementing Tqm in Pakistani Construction Sector

Abstract

Construction Industry acquires a significant financial position and stature towards the development of physical infrastructure in Pakistan. It is regarded as, amongst the major contributors in the growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Nexus to this, it has also rendered enormous contributions in offering job opportunities and eradication of poverty in the country. Despite all these meritorious contributions, the industry’s performance and potential is severely been affected by quality related issues like, wastage of construction material, re-works, scraps and customer dissatisfaction. The tools and techniques being used currently for measurement of quality are outlived and outdated. This paper is an endeavor to highlight the potential benefits of implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy. Also to seek out kinks and impediments which down play the adoption of TQM in the industry. For this purpose a survey questionnaire was designed for carrying out survey on this subject. The target respondents were architects, design professionals, engineers, contractors, sub contractors, suppliers, sponsors and the clients. The major findings were,  misconception about the implementation of TQM in construction and its benefits, lack of quality policy, lack of training, lack of resources, lack of management support, current bidding and tendering process and traditional project management concepts. To offset these problems, it has been suggested that adequate awareness and training must be imparted through effective quality policy and top management support.

Keywords: Benefits, Construction sector, Impediments, Pakistan, TQM.