Track: Lean Six Sigma

Abstract

Six sigma has long been deemed a quality initiative in the construction industry.  There exists a limited use of six sigma within the UK construction industry and there are many reasons for this.  Primarily there seems to be a misconception about the capabilities of six sigma in construction-specific context.  Very little research has been done for six sigma as a process improvement initiative for construction.  Therefore, in this dissertation, the capability of six sigma to be used as a process improvement management strategy within the UK construction industry is explored in order to better propagate this method and increase its use within the industry.  The current stance of six sigma within construction context is explored, drawing out the benefits and challenges of using its principles, further explaining why the UK’s construction industry lacks its application. After a detailed literature review, two case studies are presented of UK construction projects and companies which used six sigma to enhance process performance. The case studies were critically analysed to draw out the benefits and the challenges experienced in order to finally provide recommendations which will encourage the industry, whether in research or in practice to further make use of six sigma as a process performance enhancer.