Title: Generic Lean Six Sigma project definitions for the construction industry

Authors: A. Van den Bos; B.P.H. Kemper; J.P.W. Van Dongen; M.S. Krute

Addresses: Heijmans NV, Graafsebaan 65, 5248 JT, Rosmalen, The Netherlands ' Ernst & Young Transaction Advisory Services, Antonio Vivaldistraat 150, 1083 HP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Institute for Business and Industrial Statistics, University of Amsterdam, Plantage Muidergracht 12, 1018 TV, The Netherlands ' Heijmans NV, Graafsebaan 65, 5248 JT, Rosmalen, The Netherlands ' Ernst & Young Transaction Advisory Services, Antonio Vivaldistraat 150, 1083 HP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Abstract: Fuelled by an increased level of competitiveness in the construction industry, construction companies must continuously improve their processes to ensure high-quality and reliable products at low cost. The purpose of this paper is to support in defining Lean Six Sigma (LSS) projects in this industry. On the basis of our sample of LSS projects, we structured and analysed generic project definitions elements. We identified seven generic project definition templates. The templates include critical-to-quality (CTQ) flowdown models and operational definitions of each CTQ. With these templates, practitioners with local knowledge of their business are able to effectively define improvement projects. This paper presents the concepts of an effective project definition in the form of actionable knowledge that facilitates project leaders throughout the construction industry, and may form an initial of typical generic improvement projects for this industry.

Keywords: lean six sigma; LSS; process improvement; problem structuring; problem solving; construction industry; project definitions; critical-to-quality; CTQ flowdown models; operational definitions; generic improvement projects.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2014.067534

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2014 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.257 - 273

Accepted: 20 Jun 2014
Published online: 19 Feb 2015 *

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