Contents I. Introduction
Total quality management (TQM) was originally introduced in the 1920s by Edward Deming in Japan. The concept of TQM was initially established from the idea to produce a quality product to finally involve all aspects of the organization [1]. Consequently, in 1950s the proposed concept was officially presented to the company top management, which has enabled the industry to move toward a higher industrial advancement [1]–[3]. TQM is a philosophy that is significantly been recognized for advancement in quality implementation but it is primarily been utilized in a massive company and few for small and medium organizations [4]–[6]. In this time of globalization, with the serious competition, it is very challenging for a corporation to survive [7], [8]. TQM is a process of thinking about objectives, companies, procedures, and people in order to make sure that the right things are done right the first time [9], [10]. Responding to customers’ requirements and expectations has always been a challenge [11]–[13]. They demand smarter response, better value for money, products or services, more product varieties, and predict lower costs, more reliable delivery, and high product integrity [14], [15]. TQM is a standard in enhancing an organization’s overall scheduling process in a constant foundation by integrating essential management perception/ methods and technical tools as well [16]–[18]. It is generally accepted as the motivator for the performance enhancement in the construction industry [16]. TQM is the common collaboration of everybody in a company and combined business process to generate goods and services, which basically meet the needs and expectations of the customers [19], [20]. During the 1990s, the government of Malaysia considered that TQM to be a suitable advancement process which can be applied to enhance the functioning of the public sector. By then, Malaysia TQM has been implemented and experienced in the numerous economy facets [20]. TQM in Malaysia also has been executed in the greater companies, especially in electrical and electronic organizations then adopted in other manufacturing and service organizations [14]. The Malaysian government commenced the Malaysian Administrative Management and Modernization Unit (MAMPU) which is the legitimate body of Secretariat for the Prime Minister’s Quality Awards. MAMPU has greatly performed a significant role in assessing and enhancing TQM practising in Malaysia [20], [14]. In Malaysia, the construction industry participates considerably to the nationwide Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The construction industry is a critical for the improvement and growth of any nation [21]. Nevertheless, attainment of satisfactory levels of quality in the construction industry has long been a challenge [22], [23]. Under the 10th Malaysia Plan, RM130 billion funds will be utilized for improving infrastructure which comprises roads, railways, schools, and highways [16], [23]. An effective implementation of TQM in the construction industry creates extensive advantages and impacts on an organisation. The ultimate contributions contain cultivating an attitude of right first time, highly accomplishing zero defects, obtaining efficient and valuable business results, in addition to conquering business quality, and pleasing customers [14], [24]. The TQM implementation journey in the construction industry is mainly complicated and full of difficulties [25]. It needs a comprehensive awareness of every single activity and includes each individual at every level and stage. It also requires a cultural and an administrative change in order to accomplish constant and frequent development of quality [14]. A construction company that adopts a TQM approach will not only survive but also compete to the globe of industry. There is a continuous increase in the import of goods and services into the country due to the belief that they are of higher quality [1]. Furthermore, comparing the construction industry with other sectors such as services and manufacturing, the construction has a reputation of poorer quality [23], [26]. Additionally, claims, variations, cost overruns, disputes and delays have become common obstacles in the construction industry [27]. Quality progress has been initiated with quality enhancements project at business corporations all over the globe [13]. But later, this quality movement was an expanded to other organizations involving finance; non-profit organizations; insurance; health care; as well as learning institutions and authority. TQM patterns based on quality training generally consist of several principals or important components i.e., customer concentrate; highest managing leadership; labour force participation; education; constant enhancement instruments, coordination etc [9]. Most developed nations worldwide including, European Union, Japan and United States, all have used TQM practices to enhance and retain the desired quality [28].
