Application of Six Sigma Approach for Delay Analysis in Construction Project

Construction project organization combines the abilities and responsibilities of a traditional project management along with the skills and expertise of new construction approaches for the enhancement of the projects in construction industry. As because construction projects are always changing, the challenges faced in the course of executing construction projects that effects any project is Delays and disruptions. Delays as well as disruptions are sources of potential risks can be minimized only when their causes are identified. Construction delays can be considered as time lag in completion of activities from a fixed time as per contract and finally effects the factors such as social, financial, technical, economic, legal, construction, resource and commercial factors. The purpose of this research is to assess root causes and effects of delays in construction projects, and find the solution with a quality tool known as Six Sigma. Six Sigma's endeavor is to eliminate waste and inefficiency, in construction, production, manufacturing and services, thereby increasing customer satisfaction by delivering what the customer are most expecting. This study was carried out based on literature review and a questionnaire survey, in this study two sampling techniques were used to select respondents namely: purposive and random sampling. The questionnaire survey was distributed to the target respondent in different construction sites nearby Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh, and interviewed the personnel who are mainly associated with the constructional business. Findings reveals that the main causes of delays and disruptions are categories in to two factors as external and internal. External factors are those which can delay a project such as weather, governmental interference, labour strikes etc. And internal delays are those one which usually causes due to inadequate circumstances between owner, consultant, contractor, labours, and resources. This study leads to the main causes of internal delay are 1. Improper planning of contractor 2. Poor site management by contractor 3. Inadequate experience 4. Lack of resources and equipment availability 5. Untimed payment to the personnel 6. Material shortage 7. Inadequate drawings and blue prints of projects. 8 lack of proper communication between owner, consultant and contractor. Finally this study concludes construction projects at immense menace that have an effect on their performance and tried to solve those complicated situations with the quality tool called Six Sigma. It is therefore recommended that adequate construction timely issuing of information, budget, finalization of blue prints or design of project and proper project management skills should be the main focus of the parties in project execution process.