Influence of Six Sigma on project success in construction industry of Pakistan

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahim Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem ◽  
Siddra Qayyum Siddiqui ◽  
Muhammad Bilal Khurshid
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of implementation of Six Sigma (SS) in the construction industry of Pakistan along with the current state of affairs and the challenges, and opportunities for a successful implementation. Design/methodology/approach The research is purely exploratory in nature. Based on published work, critical success factors are gathered, and a number of questionnaire surveys and interviews are conducted to refine and quantify their impact. A system dynamics framework to assess the SS influence on project success is developed and case study project are simulated. Findings The construction industry of Pakistan is still functioning in a traditional way; marred with low level of awareness and ad hoc approaches, the findings point to a huge improvement opportunity. Further, when under planning projects are exposed to SS, the chances of project success improve better than under execution projects. Research limitations/implications The limited level of awareness possessed by the respondents constrains the possible outreach of this work in industrially developed contexts. However, this work may become an impetus for further research in managing quality in construction industry. Practical implications The findings can be used to improve the quality provision of construction projects. Originality/value This work may trigger an important debate over the research and implementation of SS in the construction industry of developing countries that may greatly benefit by improving the quality of their projects and rectify their diminishing reputation for project success.

scholarly journals Evaluating critical success factors for implementing smart devices in the construction industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1625-1640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Alexander Silverio-Fernandez ◽  
Suresh Renukappa ◽  
Subashini Suresh
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success

Purpose The decentralisation of information and high rate of mobile content access in the construction industry provides an ideal scenario for improvement of processes via the implementation of the paradigm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart devices are considered as the objects interconnected in the IoT; therefore, they play a fundamental role in the implementation of digital solutions during the execution of construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to assess the critical factors for a successful implementation of smart devices in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was performed in the Dominican Republic. This country, located at the heart of the Caribbean, presents an economy that strongly relies on the construction industry. Following a systematic approach, a qualitative data collection and analysis was performed based on semi-structured interviews and content analysis to professionals of construction companies in the Dominican Republic, enquiring the concept of smart devices and critical success factors for implementing the devices in the industry. Findings The key success factors obtained from the contestants were leadership, technology awareness, company size, usability of proposed solution, cost of implementation and interoperability. Originality/value This paper provides information to clients of the construction sector regarding the benefits of embedding smart devices into their business activities. Furthermore, this study provides a better understanding of the key factors to be considered by construction organisations when embedding smart devices into their projects. This study also provides recommendations for distinct stakeholders of the construction sector, such as policy makers, clients and technology consultants. Policy makers should especially consider factors such as technology awareness and leadership to develop the right policies for the integration of the IoT in construction projects. Technology consultants should be aware of the latest case studies of successful implementation of smart devices and IoT systems in the world in order to adapt and implement smart devices and IoT in their projects.

scholarly journals Critical success factors of Lean Six Sigma from leaders’ perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alnadi ◽  
Patrick McLaughlin
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Employee Motivation ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Previous Literature ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Key Aspects

Purpose This paper aims to provide a synthesis of the results of the previous literature on leadership behaviours that enable successful Lean Six Sigma implementation. Design/methodology/approach The published literature that relates to leadership and Lean Six Sigma has been included. A thematic analysis was conducted on the previous literature which helped in identifying the relevant aspects and associating the behaviours with specific aspects. Findings After analysing the literature, seven key aspects have emerged: communication, culture of continuous improvement, coaching and developing employees, creating vision and aligning goals, employee motivation, employee empowerment and leadership commitment and support. The main leadership behaviours that facilitate and support Lean Six Sigma implementation have been summarised. Originality/value Thematic analysis in this field is scarce, so identifying the leadership behaviours’ themes can help researchers in developing a framework of leadership behaviours. Organisations and practitioners of Lean Six Sigma can take into consideration these behaviours as a key to the successful implementation of Lean Six Sigma. They can adjust their behaviours and know the behaviours that need to be developed amongst leaders. This would facilitate the Lean Six Sigma journey by overcoming the challenges that face practitioners during Lean Six Sigma implementation.

Critical success factors for Six Sigma implementation in Indian SMEs: an evaluation using AHP

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Davinder Singh ◽  
Gurwinder Singh
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Critical Success

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing Six Sigma framework affecting and influencing quality, operational and financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also intends to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate set of CSFs for effective implementation of Six Sigma using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Design/methodology/approach In this study, a significant number of small and medium manufacturing organizations have been extensively surveyed to ascertain the contributions made by CSFs toward successful deployment of Six Sigma. The evaluation and the ranking of the CSFs among others, as well as on an individual level have been worked out using AHP. Findings The research study reveals that 13 CSFs have scored 75.9% in the success index, which is a significant figure to consider the importance, as well as their contribution toward successful implementation of Six Sigma in Indian SMEs. Research limitations/implications The study mainly remains confined to the CSFs for Six Sigma implementation in SMEs from Indian subcontinent. Originality/value This paper contributes to the knowledge of academicians, practitioners and project managers by providing an insight into the evolution of the CSFs for implementing Six Sigma paradigms in Indian SMEs. The study drastically reduces implementation hassles and simplifies execution for empirical studies. The findings are not restricted to India but are generalizable and can globally used in deciding determinants of Six Sigma framework.

scholarly journals Critical Success Factors in Construction Projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 1799-1804
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Clear Indication ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Critical Success

For the successful implementation of the construction projects, researchers have tried to analyze the success factors. In the available literature, there is no clear indication to the success factors that are related to the projects related to construction. Many major construction journals were included to review the project success factors and developed a framework including six groups of independent variables, namely PRF, PMTMRF, PMRF, CLRF, CORF & EF and one dependent variable, i.e., CPS. The main purpose of this research is to test the developed conceptual framework on the CSFs in construction projects. Further the scale is tested for validity and reliability and finally SEM is applied and it is found that CSFs have 70.8% impact on the CPS. And also it is found that PMRF has the maximum impact in the success of construction projects.

CSFs for Six Sigma in service and manufacturing companies: an insight on literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonali Udeeka Pathiratne ◽  
Ali Khatibi ◽  
Md Gapar Md Johar
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Company Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Core Areas

PurposeThis paper aims to identify and review the critical success factors (CSFs) for successful Six Sigma implementation in service and manufacturing companies given in published literature.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive evaluation of the literature body is followed by future research opportunities. Studies published on the topic of Six Sigma during 2005-2016 are reviewed to retrieve identified CSFs.FindingsFrom published literature, 48 CSFs vital for Six Sigma implementation were identified. The identified CSFs were classified under eight core categories. As per the categorization, 35 out of 48 CSFs identified are either Company Strategy related, Six Sigma Project related or Human Resources related. Only a limited number of studies are carried out mainly focusing on the stated three core areas. Hence, it is vital that these three core areas are further explored in future research.Originality/valueWith the outcome of this paper, the identified CSFs for Six Sigma will be taken for further studies, where they will be applied to service and manufacturing companies based in Sri Lanka. Hence, it would provide Sri Lankan service and manufacturing companies guidelines for successful implementation of Six Sigma for future endeavors.

scholarly journals Lean Six Sigma implementation in East Africa: findings from a pilot study

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 772-780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Douglas ◽  
Jacqueline Douglas ◽  
Jacqueline Ochieng
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
East Africa ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
East African ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Training Courses

Purpose – This paper reports the results of a pilot study on the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in East African service and manufacturing organizations. The purpose of this paper is to determine the critical success factors for implementation of such a strategy as well as any barriers. A further aim was to determine the knowledge, usage and usefulness of LSS tools and techniques within those organizations. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach was taken utilizing a survey questionnaire which was sent to a sample of organization employees who had attended Yellow, Green or Black Belt LSS training courses organized by the Kenya Institute of Management in Nairobi. Employees attending such courses came from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. Findings – Results indicate that the most useful tools are most of the original seven tools of quality improvement proposed by Ishikawa over 50 years ago and the most important factor for successful implementation of LSS is management involvement and participation. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation is that this is a pilot study so to confirm the findings a full survey of East African organization needs to be undertaken. Practical implications – The findings have implications for trainers, consultants and practitioners with regards to the implementation of LSS within organizations as well as the focus of the content of LSS training courses. Originality/value – This paper reports the first study on the implementation of LSS in East Africa and will be of value to practitioners, trainers, consultants and researchers of LSS in East Africa and beyond.

Critical success factors of TQM, Six Sigma, Lean and Lean Six Sigma

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 3479-3504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raja Sreedharan V. ◽  
Vijaya Sunder M. ◽  
Raju R.
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
The Future

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on the critical success factors (CSFs) of various continuous improvement (CI) like total quality management (TQM), Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma (LSS), and perform a content analysis (CA) leading to an agenda for future research. Design/methodology/approach CA is based on literature review of 41 papers published in peer-reviewed scholarly journals. A four-stage methodology is used by the authors, with Stage 1 featuring relevant material collection; Stage 2 presenting a descriptive analysis; Stage 3 outlining the category selection; and Stage 4 featuring the material evaluation using clustering and Pareto analysis. Findings The CA revealed various research implications and directions for the future. The number of studies in the literature regarding CSF assessment is found to be far from substantial while compared to CI implementation. Assessment methodologies developed have been ranging from qualitative to quantitative models. Key gaps were identified and directions for CSF assessment are proposed which requires further validation. Research limitations/implications Only articles that appeared in peer-reviewed journals were analyzed; conference papers, reports, manuals and white papers from practice were excluded. Another limitation of the paper would be the scope of CA limited to four CI constructs – TQM, Lean, Six Sigma and LSS. Research implications indicate that the future studies in this domain would be intensive toward analyzing the vital CSFs for enterprise organizational excellence and not merely process excellence. Practical implications This review study can serve as a resource for both researchers and practitioners to understand the importance of CSFs and positioning CSFs for the successful implementation of CI programs. Originality/value The CA on the existing literature on CSFs for CI presents a unique, systematic effort to identify an agenda for future research. This study is the apparently the first of its kind on CSF assessment.

scholarly journals Analysis of project success factors in construction industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murat GUNDUZ ◽  
Ahmad Mohammed Ali YAHYA
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Factor ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Importance Index

A great emphasis has taken place to identify and analyse the factors that have been af­fecting the success and the failure of construction projects in recent decades. As a project-based industry, construction has heavily invested in such research. Moreover, the construction industry suffers the most to meet deadlines and budgets limits. The objective of this paper is to identify the critical success factors in construction industry. The study focused on Middle East region. In order to achieve this objective, 25 project success factors were identified by reviewing related literature. The factors were assessed for their impact and contribution to the actual performance of the project on three criteria: schedule, cost, and quality. Then a questionnaire was developed and sent to dif­ferent experts in the construction industry. The collected data of 111 responses was then analysed statistically by using different tools such as: importance index, Spearman’s rank correlation factor and T-test. As a result, company’s technical capacity and scope and work definition were ranked the most important factors. The results of this research may provide a great assistance to professionals and researchers in identifying the critical factors in the construction industry.

Six Sigma in construction: a review of critical success factors

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siddra Qayyum Siddiqui ◽  
Fahim Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem ◽  
Hamza Farooq Gabriel
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Search Techniques ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Extensive Search ◽  
Green Zone ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims at collecting and reviewing the published literature on the Six Sigma in construction along with its critical success factors (CSFs). Design/methodology/approach The research is based on literature review. Based on the keyword and semantic search techniques, papers published on the topic of Six Sigma during 2000-2015 are retrieved. Frequency analysis is performed to find out significance of identified CSFs, and zoning is performed based on the product of frequency of appearance and parties affected by the CSFs. Findings A total of 69 CSFs are identified as published in the literature. Based on an inclusion criterion of minimum 15 appearances, 22 CSFs are shortlisted for further analysis. Of these CSFs, around 32 per cent fall into red zone (most critical), 50 per cent into yellow and 18 per cent into green zone (least critical). Research limitations/implications This work is limited by partial identification of CSFs. Though based on an extensive search, the retrieved CSFs may not be all the published ones. However, more thorough search techniques can be applied to improve upon this work. Practical implications The findings can be used to facilitate the decision-making in the context of project success. Originality/value This work is an original attempt at gathering Six Sigma CSFs applicable to construction projects. It may be used for further research and development to help ensure project quality and success.

Using a case study approach to identify critical success factors for alliance contracting

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 465-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Jefferies ◽  
Graham John Brewer ◽  
Thayaparan Gajendran
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Research Findings

Purpose – There has been a significant increase in the use of relationship contracting in the global construction industry, with strategies such as Partnering, Alliancing and Public-Private Partnerships all used. These approaches were introduced to the Australian construction industry in the 1990s in an attempt to overcome the adversarial nature of traditional contracting methods. The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that influence the successful implementation of Project Alliancing by means of a case study approach focusing on the procurement of a large water treatment plant. The research findings identify critical success factors (CSFs) both from literature and the case study project. Design/methodology/approach – The research traces the origins of Alliancing and identifies CSFs by reviewing literature and analysing a current case study project. The paper first identifies CSFs on a global scale by establishing a theoretical framework of CSFs and then compares this to the case study project. A case study of an Australian Alliance project is investigated whereby a semi-structured interview process, involving senior managers from the six partners from the Alliance, was used in conjunction with a review of project documentation. The findings of the case study project are compared to the literature and any new CSFs are identified. Findings – Alliancing helps to establish and manage the relationships between all parties, remove barriers and encourage maximum contribution to achieve success. Alliancing provides a project delivery method that promotes open communication, equality and a systematic problem resolution process. Team culture focusing on an “open book/no blame” approach is vital to the success of an Alliance. Five CSFs were identified as specifically influencing the success of the case study project: the use of an integrated Alliance office; the staging of project and stretch targets; establishing project specific key performance indicators; facilitating on-going workshops; and the integration of a web-based management programme. Originality/value – The research findings assist both public and private sectors by identifying factors that are critical for success in Alliancing. Five additional factors were identified as specifically influencing the success of the case study project. Since this research was conducted, Australia has seen a further increase in relationship contracting where the likes of Alliancing is often used as the default approach for certain Public Sector projects. Ongoing research into Alliancing is vital to ensure the development of sustainable procurement models, successful operational viability, fair risk distribution and value for money.

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