Benchmarking Performance of TQM Principals in Electrical Subcontracting in Dubai: A Case Study

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 international projects or on mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) subcontracts. A unique opportunity existed to explore the impact of using TQM on an electrical subcontract using an on-going project in the United Arab Emirates. The project utilized for this examination was symmetric around the center-line of development. One side of the project was constructed and managed using status-quo procedures, which were generally top-down and authoritarian in nature. The other side of the project, contained all the same tasks but was constructed and managed incorporating TQM principles. Data was collected and earned value analysis implemented to compare the performance of the two approaches over the life of the project. It is shown that TQM presented real benefit 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.