Chileshe, N (2005) PhD in construction management research: what is original contribution to knowledge? the case of TQM. In: Khosrowshahi, F (Ed.), 21st Annual ARCOM Conference, 7-9 September 2005, SOAS, University of London. Association of Researchers in Construction Management, Vol. 2, 1267-78. PHD IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT RESEARCH: WHAT IS ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE? THE CASE OF TQM. Nicholas Chileshe 1 1 Sheffield Hallam University, Faculty of Development and Society, Built Environment Division, City Campus, Sheffield, S1 1WB The ultimate test of any PhD is how it contributes to knowledge. However, other criterion must still be met in order to satisfy the requirements of a PhD in Construction Management. In order to demonstrate the process undertaken towards contribution, this paper highlights the two steps of the research process that were utilised, the positivist and phenomenological approaches as two distinct methodologies. The aims of the paper are two fold. First to highlight the general requirements of meeting the PhD criteria in Construction Management research, and second, to match the specific criteria of contribution to knowledge with illustrative examples by exploring the application and theory development. Using the topic of 'Total Quality Management' in the fields of ' Operations Management' and 'Construction Management' as prime examples, the research undertaken and contribution made in achieving in obtaining the PhD are presented. Examples of the required criteria are illustrated. This paper can be of benefit to researchers in the writing up phase of the PhD in clarifying what constitutes the contribution to knowledge Keywords: Construction Management, Knowledge, Research Methodology, PhD research, TQM. INTRODUCTION Mukhejee et al (2002) observe that a PhD degree implies that the researcher has attained an acceptable level of knowledge and research expertise. Within the Author's institution (2004), the PhD is awarded to candidates who having critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic, resulting in an independent and original contribution to knowledge, and demonstrated an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field, has presented and defended a thesis by oral examination to the satisfaction of the examiners. In terms of selection of the research area, this was never questionable because the issue of Quality Assurance had been tackled at the industrial experience and MSc level; however, the PhD was another ball game. Drawing heavily on an approach by Kekale (2001), "It was easy to decide what to write about; the real problem was rather, how to write"?. The focus of this paper is mainly on the issues of what constitutes ' an independent and original contribution to knowledge'. The paper is structured as follows, first the conceptual framework underlying the study is presented, second, the criteria for meeting the PhD thesis is provided, thirdly the matching of the said criteria of contribution to the three pillars of knowledge are presented. Finally, the contribution to knowledge through the application and theory development of Quality Management is highlighted through the following phases of discovery, mapping, relationship building and theory validation purposes.