Survey of TQM in Construction Industry in Upper Midwest

The acceptance of total quality management (TQM) within the construction industry is an issue that is difficult to quantify. A survey of construction firms in the upper Midwestern United States was conducted in order to quantify the application and use of the TQM philosophy. A questionnaire was developed and mailed to 1,500 construction firms in the Midwest who are involved in various types of construction activities (general contracting, road and highway construction, subcontracting, homebuilding, electrical and mechanical contracting, etc.). The results of the survey indicate that there are substantial economic benefits that can be attained through the implementation of TQM techniques. However, there are several key educational and operational issues that must be addressed prior to, and after, implementing a TQM program.