CBPM Conference 2026 · Vol. 2026, Issue 1

An Evaluation of Time and Cost Performance of Construction Projects in Implementing Total Quality Management Principles

Diekolola Abiola-Ogedengbe, Molusiwa Stephan Ramabodu, Nathaniel A. Olatunde, Imoleayo Abraham Awodele

Keywords: Cost Overrun, Iron Triangle, Time Overrun, Time Performance, Total Quality Management

Abstract

The study evaluate cost and time overruns in construction projects carried out in Imo State, Nigeria, using Total Quality Management (TQM) principles. Structured questionnaires were used; the sample comprised 106 respondents, and data from 42 construction projects were included. The analysis used percentile analysis and a paired-samples t-test, which were presented in tables. The project duration increased significantly, from an estimated average of 33.83 weeks to the actual completion time of 38.83 weeks (t = 2.305, p = 0.026). The cost analysis shows no statistically significant difference between estimated and actual cost (t = ?0.516, p = 0.608), indicating that cost performance on TQM-associated projects was stable and broadly within budget. The time analysis reveals a statistically significant mean overrun of 5 weeks (12.3%) (t = 2.305, p = 0.026). The 12.31% overrun is substantially lower than the 70-188% overruns documented in comparable Nigerian studies. It is limited to construction projects in imo state. Regular use of TQM enhances overall project performance and reduces discrepancies between planned and actual performance.