Enhancing Construction Project Performance through Total Quality Management (TQM): A Statistical Synthesis and Conceptual Framework

Abstract

While total quality management (TQM) has been widely acknowledged as an effective way to improve organizational performance in the industrial and service sectors, comparatively little is known about its systematic implementation and impact in the construction industry, particularly in developing countries. This study aims to show the positive effect of TQM on construction project performance through an in-depth literature review and statistical synthesis. Improvement to quality (r = 0.73), employee empowerment to safety (β = 0.84), and supplier integration to time efficiency (r = 0.59) are among the significant correlations found in the statistical synthesis, which shows a direct positive relationship. A TQM performance framework has been developed based on these proven relationships, illustrating how the implementation of fundamental concepts, such as leadership, continuous improvement, and employee involvement, systematically improves project parameters (quality, cost, time, and safety) to produce superior results, such as increased efficiency, decreased risks, greater sustainability, and increased stakeholder satisfaction.