Pheng, L S and Hui, M S (2004) Implementing and applying six sigma in construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 130(4), pp. 482-489. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Although Six Sigma has been implemented in the manufacturing and other services industries, it is still a relatively new concept in the building industry. This paper described the Six Sigma concept as a quality initiative that may be applied in the building industry. The principles, methodology, and metrics of Six Sigma are first discussed. The implementation phases as well as the training programs required are explained. A case study of how Six Sigma was pioneered in an organization in the building industry is presented. The findings suggest that management initiative and support, relevant training, appropriate selection of pilot projects, and commitment by team members are crucial for the successful implementation of Six Sigma in the organization. The application of Six Sigma for improving the quality of internal finishes during construction is also explained. Improvement measures taken by a contractor helped to raise the sigma from 2.66σ to 3.95σ for quality of internal finishes.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | productivity; quality control |
| Index terms: | program, methodology, finishes, six sigma, commitment, building industry, quality control, implementation, case study, productivity |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, research methods, software systems, management, performance measurement, building materials, psychology, project delivery, contractual arrangements, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Research Practice, Procurement, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Quality Management, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here