Evaluating the effect of TQM on MEP construction productivity in Dubai

Abstract

Construction productivity influences all aspects of a project, from estimating and bidding to scheduling, safety and quality during project delivery. management techniques, such as Total Quality Management (TQM) have been proven to provide positive impact and to increase productivity. However, these techniques are seldom employed on regional projects or on mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) subcontracts. There is an essential need for a procedure to challenge the standard practice in the construction management, in order to improve the low manpower productivity the construction industry is patterned with, which was the main motivation behind performing this research on construction projects in Dubai. A unique opportunity existed to explore the impact of using TQM on a MEP subcontract using an on-going project in the emirates of Dubai in United Arab Emirates. The project utilized for this examination was symmetric around the center-line of development. One side of the project was managed and constructed using status-quo procedures, which were generally top-down and authoritarian in nature. The other side of the project, comprised alt the same activities, but was managed and constructed incorporating TOM principles. Data was collected and earned value analysis used to compare the performance of the two approaches over the life of the project. It was shown through quantitative evaluation of on- site progress of both sides of the project that TQM presents measurable benefits in terms of productivity and project progress. Data is evaluated, day-to-day challenges and unexpected results are discussed, and future research efforts are outlined. The research performed and the report first begins with a literature review of existing research and development efforts, followed by hypothesis statement and research objectives. The case study project and the methodology employed is then explained and detailed. An explanations of the data collection from the project is then summarized and discussed, followed by hypothesis testing. Finally the results are discussed and conclusions are drawn.