Question

Which one of the following unique characteristics of the construction process makes TQM difficult to implement?
1. The construction process is relatively short in duration
2. A low percentage of the labour at a construction project only work for the construction firm for a short time period
3. Project owners take a long term view to control projects
4. Construction projects are multiple, each project being somewhat same

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : The construction process is relatively short in duration

Explanation:

The following unique characteristics of the construction process may make TQM difficult to implement:

• The construction process is relatively short in duration. A construction project may take less than a year to construct. Given this short term characteristic, it may be difficult to realize benefits that may be more long term in nature.
• A high percentage of the labour at a construction project only work for the construction firm for a short time period; they can be viewed as a transient laour force. As such it may be somewhat difficult to “empower” the workers and get them committed to a team process.
• Construction projects are unique, each project being somewhat different. That may reduce the ability to implement continuous improvement.
• Project owners may take a short-term view in that they have historically attempted to control their projects by including penalties for non-performance and have focused on monitoring results through inspection.