Prioritizing Barriers to Total Quality Management Implementation for Sustainable Construction Using AHP–GDM

Abstract

The construction industry is increasingly challenged by complex decisionmaking environments involving economic, technical, and sustainability related factors. This study proposes a structured multi-criteria decisionmaking (MCDM) framework to systematically evaluate and prioritize critical factors influencing construction project performance in Saudi Arabia. The methodology integrates objective weight determination with rankingbased MCDM techniques to assess multiple, often conflicting criteria using expert-driven and data-informed analysis. The results identify the most influential factors affecting construction efficiency and sustainability, providing a transparent and reproducible decision-support model. The main contribution of this study lies in offering a context-specific, analytically robust framework that advances MCDM applications in construction management, particularly within emerging economies. From a practical perspective, the findings support policymakers, project managers, and industry stakeholders in improving strategic planning, resource allocation, and risk-informed decision-making aligned with national development goals. Overall, the proposed framework enhances evidence-based decision-making and contributes to improving the resilience and performance of the construction industry.OPEN ACCESS Received: 13/11/2025 Accepted: 19/01/2026

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