Developing a matrix to explore the relationship between partnering and total quality management in construction

摘要

Recently, there has been an increasing awareness and implementation of practices associated with Partnering and Total Quality Management (TQM) in the construction industry. Partnering and TQM both seek to enhance construction outcomes, yet rigorous studies of Partnering and TQM have been conducted separately and have not carefully examined common or unique practices associated with these techniques. This paper presents she findings of a theoretical analysis of an integrated approach for the use of Partnering and TQM. A matrix approach has been used to explore the extent to which Partnering may improve TQM implementation in construction. The matrix is based around 3 indexes, namely; the Degree of Partnering, the Degree of TQM and the Project Success Index and enables the relationship between Partnering and TQM to be analysed quantitatively. It also assists in understanding the trends of Partnering and TQM and their relationship to project performance. The results of a case study using this matrix are also presented. It has been concluded that the integrated use of Partnering can facilitate improvements in the way TQM is implemented in construction.