Raid Al-Aomar

A lean construction framework with Six Sigma rating

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the application of lean construction practices in the construction industry and develop a practical and applicable framework that incorporates Six Sigma rating into the best practices of lean construction. The objective is to help the industry reduce waste and cost, increase effectiveness, and improve quality.Design/methodology/approach – A generic yet practical framework of lean construction is developed using the guidelines of project lean delivery system developed by the Lean Construction Institute (LCI). Applicable lean techniques and Six Sigma rating are integrated into the developed framework. A cyclical look‐ahead planning and execution approach is used to implement the lean construction techniques. A set of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) performance indicators is defined to measure performance, set target threshold values, and guide improvement actions. A case study of the construction industry in Abu Dhabi (AD) is used to clarify the proposed approach a...

Incorporating time standards into generative CAPP: a construction steel case study

Purpose – Time standards are essential to plan and analyze manufacturing processes. A key element of process planning that is not generated from a typical computer‐aided process plan (CAPP) is the process time standards. Generative process planning that includes time standards is particularly needed in the construction steel building (CSB) industry due to variability in projects (orders) size and content. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to focus on incorporating time standards into CAPP of CSB.Design/methodology/approach – Empirical formulas are developed to generate time standards for variant steel beams based on their CAD files (design parameters and geometry) and process parameters (operational conditions). A Motion and Time Study (MTS) is used to estimate times for manual work elements such as load/unload activities and to validate the generated time standards. A generic parametric model is developed with Excel and integrated into the CAPP system to automatically estimate the standard time of each...

A model for assessing the impact of sustainable supplier selection on the performance of service supply chains

Abstract This study intends to develop and validate a model for assessing the impact of supplier sustainability on the performance of a service supply chain. Supplier sustainability is assessed based on five main criteria derived from literature and validated by industry experts (i.e. Environment Management, Social Responsibility, Green Products, Technology Standards and Health and Safety Management). Each criterion is further characterised using three sub-criteria (indicators). The impact of these sustainability aspects on the performance of service supply chains is assessed based on two sets of economic and competitiveness measures. To validate the model, empirical data were collected from a large sample of supply chain experts at major service firms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Structural Equation Modelling was then used to analyse the data and derive conclusions. Results indicated a valid structure of the proposed model based on the selected criteria (latent variables) and confirmed their positive impact on the performance of service supply chains. This has demonstrated the model fitness to assess supplier sustainability in service supply chains. However, the criteria related to the supplier’s Environmental Management and Technology Standards were found to be of a higher impact on performance while the competitiveness aspects of performance were found to be of higher importance compared to economic aspects. The implications of study findings on service supply chains were discussed along with study limitations and directions for future research.

Reducing Operational Downtime in Service Processes: A Six Sigma Case Study

This paper presents a Six Sigma approach for reducing operational downtime in service processes. The objective is to improve and bring betterment in the service processes for timely delivery of products and services. A case study of downtime reduction in service processes at a local company is used to illustrate the Six Sigma application. The company has been experiencing unexpected increase in downtime in the provision of goods and services supporting aviation equipment. The Six Sigma implementation has significantly reduced the loss in operational effectiveness by reducing downtime. The paper also presents the tools and techniques used in the DMAIC process to reduce downtime and improve the overall service level.

Simulation-based Six Sigma value function for system-level performance assessment and improvement

Purpose n n n n nThe purpose of this paper is to develop a simulation-based value function (VF) that combines multiple key performance indicators (KPIs) into a unified Sigma rating (SR) for system-level performance assessment and improvement. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nSimulation is used as a platform for assessing the multiple KPIs at the system level. A simple additive VF is formed to combine the KPIs into a unified SR using the analytical hierarchy process and the entropy method. Value mapping is utilized to resolve the conflict among KPIs and generate a unified value. These methods are integrated into the standard Six Sigma define-measure-analyze-improve-control (DMAIC) process. n n n n nFindings n n n n nSimulation results provided the Six Sigma DMAIC process with system-level performance measurement and analysis based on multiple KPIs. The developed VF successfully generated unified SRs that were used to assess various performance improvement plans. n n n n nResearch limitations/implications n n n n nThe accuracy and credibility of the results obtained from using the proposed VF are highly dependent on the availability of pertinent data and the accuracy of the developed simulation model. n n n n nPractical implications n n n n nThe proposed approach provides Six Sigma practitioners and performance mangers with a mechanism to assess and improve the performance of production and service system based on multiple KPIs when conducting Six Sigma studies. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nThis paper contributes to the previous research by handling multiple KPIs in Six Sigma studies conducted at the system level using simulation and VF. The research also provides guidelines for using the different methods of weights assessment to form the VF within the DMAIC process.

Reducing the interruption of power distribution: A six sigma application

This paper presents a Six Sigma approach for reducing the interruption in power distribution. The objective is to improve the overall service, reduce operating costs, and to increase customer satisfaction. A case study of current interruption in power distribution at a local utility company is used to illustrate the Six Sigma application. The company has been experiencing unexpected increase in power interruption in terms of frequency and duration. The Six Sigma DMAIC process was utilized to investigate the problem, analyze its various variables, and recommend specific action plan for improvement. The paper also presents the tools and techniques used in the DMAIC process to reduce power interruption and improve the overall service level.

Lean Manufacturing Implementation in the Sewing Industry

The principle of lean manufacturing has been successfully implemented in a number of industries, including electronics and automotive. This is not the case for other industries, such as the sewing industry, and this research focuses on implementation of lean manufacturing techniques in the sewing industry. One specific sewing line in a sewing plant was selected as a case study, and sewing process characteristics are identified. Five types of waste are identified and analyzed in the sewing line with the aid of value stream mapping: defects, inventory, overproduction, transportation, and waiting time. Applied lean manufacturing techniques include line balancing, layout redesign, and quality at the source. Impacts of implemented lean techniques on production are analyzed, and an improved future-state value stream map is developed. Results show approximately 96% reduction in production wastes in addition to 43% reduction in lead time.

QFD application in the initial accreditation of an engineering program

This paper presents a methodology that facilitates a new QFD application for quality improvement in the field of Engineering Education. The focus is on the initial accreditation process of engineering programs. Namely, QFD is utilized to illustrate the translation of program requirements into learning outcomes, curriculum, and assessment tools. Program requirements are set by local accreditation agencies, program stakeholders, and the strategic plan of the hosting college/university. QFD is used to design program curriculum (courses and learning units) so that program learning outcomes are achieved. A subsequent QFD is also used to design the assessment tools of each course so that course learning outcomes are achieved. An assessment plan is to be then designed and deployed after the engineering program is approved by the accreditation body. That is a key step to assure the quality of proposed engineering programs by addressing the needs of different program constituents (accreditation bodies, employers, prospective students, market, educational standards, professional associations, and qualification frameworks). The objective is to improve the quality of proposed engineering program as well as the performance of running programs and programs under review. An example of QFD application to the initial accreditation of a Master of Project Management is used to illustrate the proposed methodology.