Impact of six sigma on construction performance

This research proposes that to implement a continuous improvement type process in construction the following requirements must be met: create a performance based environment which differentiates performance and value, run a performance based process where the risk is minimized by high performance contractors instead of the client's professional representative, and use a non-technical performance information process. Six Sigma is a rigorous process to minimize risk and deviation. The core of Six Sigma is DMAIC, define, measure, analyse, improve, and control. The result of Six Sigma will be an increased efficiency, improvement in performance, and the control of performance problems (not on time, on budget, and meeting quality expectations). Efforts in the construction industry to apply concepts of Six Sigma have been inconsequential due to a price based environment. This paper defines a performance or value based environment which processes such as Six Sigma can be implemented successfully. This is currently being tested in the United States by the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA). The implementation of Six Sigma concepts has been difficult due to the institutionalisation of technical management, control, and inspection concepts which are not performance based.