Evaluation of the impact of quality risk management on quality performance in the UAE construction projects

Purpose: Despite the implementation of Quality Management Systems (QMS) in construction projects, the repetition of quality failures and their negative impact clearly exposes the deficiencies in the current Quality Management practices with regards to lack of implementing proactive approaches in preventing quality failures. In spite of the wide appeal to adopt 'Risk-based methodologies' in quality management, most of the previous quality management studies have ignored it and hence 'Risk' is identified as the missing gap, which needs more attention, both in theory and practice. In seeking to overcome these deficiencies/gaps, this study has developed an innovative Project Quality Risk Management (PQRM) model including QRM, QR & QP measurement scales, which are expected to help academicians and practitioners to gain a better understanding of QRM, QR and QP along with their causal relationships, thus enabling them to make more informed decisions in dealing with quality risks. Design/Methodology: In this study, Interview method is used for data collection related to research objective#1, while Literature Review method is used for objective#2. For objectives 3 & 4, Survey method is used for data collection, while data analysis is done through statistical techniques namely Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) using IBM SPSS 24.0 and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using IBM AMOS 24.0 which are carried out for scale development and statistically analyzing & validating the Measurement models. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique using IBM AMOS 24.0 software package is applied to test the hypotheses for examining and evaluating the relationships among QRM, QR and QP. Research Findings: The investigation through interviews, highlights the deficiencies in the existing QM system and concludes with strong suggestions of adopting risk-based approaches for achieving continual improvement. On the other hand, the testing of PQRM model validates the hypotheses, indicating that an increase in the effectiveness of QRM actions can enable in reducing Quality Risks, while enhancing the Quality Performance. Originality/Value: The research study makes three significant contributions to knowledge in advancing the literature of QRM along with good benefits to the industry. Firstly, the deficiencies in the current QM practices have been identified while stressing the importance of reinforcing the traditional QM practices with risk-based approaches. Secondly, three reliable and valid measurement scales viz., QRM, QR & QP are developed through a robust 7-stage scale development process, which can be used to measure the respective processes. Thirdly, an innovative PQRM model is developed and validated. This PQRM model can be used as a causal relationship tool capable of enabling the project teams to make informed decisions in a more holistic manner, for dealing with quality related risks. All the above contributions can be regarded to be very helpful to academicians and practitioners for effective application in both theory and practice. Research Limitations: This study has been done from the Main Contractor perspective only, while it can also be done from the other stakeholders' perspective, like Client, Consultant etc.