Applying TQM to the construction industry

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the quality and productivity problems, and improvement opportunities that face the construction industry today.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted interviews and surveys plus they researched pertinent literature to come to their findings.

Findings

The paper concludes that there is a lack of good research for improved approaches and that construction work is considered an undesirable profession. It also concludes that there has been a slow change over from quality control (QC) to total quality management (TQM).

Research limitations/implications

The research for this paper was limited to surveys and interviews conducted in the USA.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that improved quality and productivity is needed to eliminate high levels of waste in the construction industry.

Originality/value

The paper defines construction problems as they exist today.

Citation

Harrington, H.J., Voehl, F. and Wiggin, H. (2012), "Applying TQM to the construction industry", The TQM Journal, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 352-362. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542731211247373