English Abstract
Abstract:
The study aimed to investigate the key TQM factors to assure the
successful implementation of TQM in the construction industry,
particularly the mega building's construction firms in the Kingdom of
Bahrain. This study pursues a descriptive research approach through the
distribution of two questionnaires; a managerial questionnaire directed to
21 managers in these firms, while an operational questionnaire was
distributed to 49 from the operational level of these firms including
(engineer / technician / site inspector/ quality officer). The results
revealed that there is a Significant Positive relationship between success
factors (leadership, policy and strategy, continuous improvement,
measurement and feedback, subcontractors and suppliers' quality
management, processes management, resources management, education
and training, and work environment and culture) and TQM
implementation in the surveyed mega building's construction firms in the
Kingdom of Bahrain. In addition, the results found that policy and
strategy, continuous improvement, leadership, resources management,
work environment and culture were the most influential factors that
exerted a significant impact on TQM implementation in the investigated
firms. The study concluded that these firms lack possessing dynamic
response towards the rapid changes and instability of the business
environment. Furthermore, it was concluded that these firms are relying
heavily on their staff who handle their assigned tasks and also carrying on
necessary improvement as per their job descriptions since there is no
improvement team in the organization chart of these firms. Moreover,
some of the employees do not have the expected autonomy entitled by
their managers in incorporating changes in the tasks they are
accomplishing. Additionally, the financial resources provided to support
the improvement activities were insufficient, thus it was concluded that
these budgets are set in these firms towards the accomplishment of the
construction projects, while there is no finance set aside for handling any
needed improvements within these projects.
The study recommended to review the firms' policies to enable the
proactive deal with the available resources to alleviate threats, and
incorporate their decision making to address uncertainties that is implied
within their dynamic business environment. Moreover, it is recommended
to review the policies and practices relevant to the improvement process,
and encouraging employees to have a voice in the suggestion of new
ideas that might reinforce the improvement process. Additionally, to
empower employees by delegating them the authority to initiate changes
into their job activities for further improvements at the operational level
of each department. Finally, it is recommended to assign adequate
financing in terms of budget allocation to support carrying on any needed
improvement to finance these needed improvements. building a quality
culture is a collective responsibility of both parties.
As a result of the study, a forecasting model was introduced to help the
contractors to predict the level of TQM implementation to assess and
improve the process to ensure the effective and successful TQM
implementation.
