Abstract
Possibility of Six Sigma implementation in small/medium enterprise (SME) in construction industry is the goal of this paper. Robust conception of Six Sigma is taken as one option of flexible approach used in construction industry for risk management. High level of risk on the operations management is very important feature in comparison between construction industry and other economy branches. This problem is connected with very restricted level of automation and robotics, influenced environment, etc. Hierarchical culture with fragmentation of activity and low cost preferences as typical approach in construction industry seems to be important reasons of problems in Six Sigma implementation process. Presented conception is based on hybrid approach for flexibility implementation: robustness (Six Sigma), adaptation, simplification (Japan flexibility school) and modification of organizational culture. All four elements were fitted together for achievement of synergy effect.
Highlights
The specific character of the construction industry is characterized by the presence of much higher risk and uncertainty at the operational level than in enterprises of other branches of the economy
Theoretical assumptions, examples from scientific papers, and case studies were given as basis for following conclusions: Á The traditional hierarchical culture of quality management principles resulting from Six Sigma seems to be in opposition to the particular culture of a small company operating in the construction sector
Á Six Sigma concept seems to be difficult to implement in the construction industry due to the process stability required
Summary
The specific character of the construction industry is characterized by the presence of much higher risk and uncertainty at the operational level than in enterprises of other branches of the economy. Dynamic changes of the environment resulting in variable results of the operations are one of the crucial causes of the problem. The purpose of robustness in this approach is to guarantee the desired results irrespective of the changes occurring in the environment. Á In the sphere of IT Á application of Supply Chain Management approach. The present article focuses primarily on implementation of Six Sigma concept which, in view of common occurrence of quality problems in construction industry, merits particular attention. The purpose of the presented concept, is to find a formula of Six Sigma concept implementation in Construction Management using the hybrid approach. A typical hybrid approach (Six Sigma' Lean Management 'Supply Chain Management) need not be the only possible solution. We have shown through the analysis of examples from the literature, as well as our own Case Study that it is very unlikely to expect positive results from application of the Six Sigma approach alone
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