Reducing Welding Defects in Turnaround Projects: A Lean Six Sigma Case Study
- Publication:
- Quality Engineering
- Date:
- April 2014
- Issue:
- Volume 26 Issue 2
- Pages:
- pp. 168-181
- Author(s):
- Anderson, Nicole C., Kovach, Jamison V.,
- Organization(s):
- University of Houston, Houston, TX
Abstract
[This abstract is based on the authors' abstract.]In the construction industry, successful project completion leads to customer satisfaction. Schedule delays, however, may be caused by unexpected downtime due to rework/repair. This case study describes how one specialty construction company used the Lean Six Sigma methodology to reduce welding defects in turnaround projects. As a result, they improved project performance and identified solutions that were implemented company-wide. From a broader perspective, this research demonstrates how Lean Six Sigma can be applied in service-based environments such as turnaround projects. It also provides evidence of the tangible benefits that can be achieved within specialty construction operations using process improvement strategies.