A framework for quality maintenance system in construction industry

Abstract

Globalization of economy has resulted in construction firms trying to achieve internationally accepted quality construction work. Hence, it is critical for organizations to have a system such as Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure quality in the construction industry. Maintenance in QMS includes constant monitoring, controlling, assessing and improving of the system through technical and non-technical approaches. In previous studies, contractors in construction focussed more on technical rather than non-technical approaches to improve project performance. On the contrary, these non-technical approaches are very important. Besides that, both these approaches have not been compared with competitive theories to produce a standard framework that covers all the crucial criteria for quality maintenance system. Thus, the main objective of this research is to develop a framework of quality maintenance system by studying the implementation and effectiveness of technical and non-technical approaches and their relationship with project performance in construction industries. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data. 1050 questionnaires were distributed personally to respondents via project management teams. Statistical analysis of data was done by using ANOVA, MANOVA, correlation and regression analysis. The findings indicate that both nontechnical and technical approaches in construction companies were generally implemented at moderate level. However, non-technical approaches have a significant correlation in effectiveness relationship with project performance (client satisfaction and time variance) when compared with technical approaches. Based on the findings, the new framework has verified new variables such as leadership and top management commitment from previous theories. To conclude, the research has generated a new framework for industry practitioners or researchers to measure effectiveness of quality maintenance system in construction industry.