Total Quality Management Implementation in Sri Lankan Construction Industry : A Study of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Achieving quality in construction projects is vital for construction organisations. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) require vigorous quality achieving techniques to compete with large scale competitors. Therefore, this study investigated the total quality management (TQM) implementation in construction SMEs in Sri Lanka. The study adopted a mixed approach. Data collection was done through preliminary interviews and a questionnaire survey among professionals of construction SMEs. Quantitative data were analysed using respondent average score method and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study revealed that although TQM practices are employed by the SME contractors, their understanding about TQM is low. The highest implemented TQM practice is the “Continual review and comparison of work progress and cash flow with data related to actual progress”, while “Conducting value engineering workshops with client at project commencement” is the least implemented. TQM practices of “Employees feel the commitment of top management towards project and process quality improvement” and “Ensuring prompt communication of design changes to the project team and other relevant parties during the construction process” are the most contributor to project success. “Employees are given with responsibility and authority to perform without monitoring and inspections”, is the least contributor to project success.