Soraya Nassri, Saeed Talebi, Faris Elghaish, Kayvan Koohestani, Stephen McIlwaine, M. Reza Hosseini, Mani Poshdar and Michail Kagioglou
High-level labor waste is a major challenge in construction projects. This paper aims to identify, quantify and categorize labor waste in the context of Iranian housing…
Abstract
Purpose
High-level labor waste is a major challenge in construction projects. This paper aims to identify, quantify and categorize labor waste in the context of Iranian housing construction projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a case study approach, with empirical data collected through direct observations and semi-structured interviews.
Findings
Having triangulated the findings from the literature review and empirical studies, a list of eight types of waste was derived for the thirteen observed laborers in ten case study projects. The empirical studies allowed the labor waste identified from the literature to be verified and refined by considering it in the context of the observed activities, and led to two new types of waste being identified which were not considered in the literature. Findings indicate that nearly 62% of laborers' time is spent on non-value-adding activities. It appeared that “unnecessary movement,” “waiting” and “indirect work” make up the highest labor waste.
Research limitations/implications
This research focuses only on onsite resource flows in a housing construction site. It does not include offsite flows such as material delivery to site.
Originality/value
The findings have provided substantial evidence on type and amount of labor waste and provide a solid basis to stimulate construction actors to participate in reducing labor waste and improving productivity.
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Stephen Emmitt, Christine Pasquire and Basant Mertia
The purpose of this study is to address behaviour that often leads to inappropriate processing in a small design and build contracting organisation that employs direct labour. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to address behaviour that often leads to inappropriate processing in a small design and build contracting organisation that employs direct labour. The objective was to reduce process waste and improve the value delivered to clients. This formed part of a larger knowledge transfer project (KTP) to improve performance on construction sites through the application of lean thinking.
Design/methodology/approach
Action research was used to identify and bring about change within the contracting organisation. The method was applied to live construction projects in the social housing sector in the greater London area. The intervention was to raise the awareness of site personnel to the importance of finishing tasks through informal discussions and visual management techniques.
Findings
Raised awareness of the importance of finishing work to allow other trades to follow on unimpeded, leading to significant improvements in the quality and flow of work. This helped to contribute to significant savings in time and cost.
Research limitations/implications
Findings relate to a small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) with directly employed labour, therefore the findings have limited applicability. Further applied research is required to determine the generalisation of the approach/findings to organisations that subcontract their labour.
Practical implications
This applied research is practical and cost effective to apply to live projects managed by small and medium sized contracting organisations.
Originality/value
Provides a unique insight into the practical application of lean thinking tools and process improvement.
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Y. Arayici, P. Coates, L. Koskela, M. Kagioglou, C. Usher and K. O'Reilly
This paper aims to present a systematic approach for building information modelling (BIM) implementation for architectural SMEs at the organizational level
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a systematic approach for building information modelling (BIM) implementation for architectural SMEs at the organizational level
Design/methodology/approach
The research is undertaken through a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) project between the University of Salford and John McCall Architects (JMA) a SME based in Liverpool. The overall aim of the KTP is to develop lean design practice through BIM adoption. The BIM implementation approach uses a socio‐technical view, which does not only consider the implementation of technology but also considers the socio‐cultural environment that provides the context for its implementation. The action research oriented qualitative and quantitative research is used for discovery, comparison, and experimentation as it provides “learning by doing”.
Findings
The strategic approach to BIM adoption incorporated people, process and technology equally and led to capacity building through the improvements in process, technological infrastructure and upskilling of JMA staff to attain efficiency gains and competitive advantages.
Originality/value
The paper introduces a systematic approach for BIM adoption based on the action research philosophy and demonstrates a roadmap for BIM adoption at the operational level for SME companies.
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Cristina Toca Pérez and Dayana Costa
The purpose of this paper is to present a taxonomy of transportation waste in construction production processes based on lean construction (LC) principles.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a taxonomy of transportation waste in construction production processes based on lean construction (LC) principles.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology used is case study and the main stages for the identification of the transportation waste in two construction projects were: mapping physical flows; measurement of transportation time; and monitoring of transportation waste events; assessment of the taxonomy.
Findings
The main contribution of this paper is the proposition of a taxonomy of transportation waste in construction production processes through the understanding of the transportation waste causes and consequences.
Research limitations/implications
Although the literature reviewed addresses sources from different parts of the world, the case studies performed are limited to one country, Brazil. However, the studies were carried out in two different construction sites separated by more than 3,000 km.
Practical implications
All data collected during the taxonomy application can be organized in order to develop an improvement plan. Moreover, if data collected is disseminated, there is the potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the construction sector.
Social implications
Although the paper does not explore in depth the impact of the study on society or policy, the theme of waste minimization is focused on cost reduction, and one way to do that is through the flow management for waste minimization.
Originality/value
The paper discusses the concept of transportation waste of production in construction based on LC philosophy, through the understanding of its causes and consequences.
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Francisco Loforte Ribeiro and Manuela Timóteo Fernandes
Agile methods have proven successful in increasing customer satisfaction and decreasing time and cost to market under uncertain conditions. Key characteristics of agile methods…
Abstract
Purpose
Agile methods have proven successful in increasing customer satisfaction and decreasing time and cost to market under uncertain conditions. Key characteristics of agile methods are lean, flexibility and highly iterative development with a strong emphasis on stakeholder involvement. Today construction firms in general and small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular are surviving in a drastic competitive environment in which they are facing more and more challenges. Additional innovation is needed in the construction sector, with increased participation from more competitive SMEs. The main purpose of this paper is to present a model to prioritize available management systems to help SMEs address the challenge of today's market competition more effectively.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology used is that of interpretative case study and grounded theory based on a strong empirical foundation, on which new theoretical insight into knowledge management as an autonomous action is developed. The paper looks at ways by which SMEs are managed, based on the empirical data collected from 12 case studies. It presents the empirical findings drawn from the case studies. Finally, the adoption of agile methods is subjectively assessed as to its potential contribution for improving the business processes of small and medium construction firms.
Findings
It is assessed that agile methods offers considerable potential for application in construction SMEs and that there are significant hurdles to its adoption in the actual phase. Should these be overcome, agile methods offers benefits well beyond any individual company.
Practical implications
Construction firms need to be aware of the advantages of new management paradigms and practices. The analysis shows that SMEs in the construction sector have to internalize agile values into their business processes to reap the benefits of agile methods. It also reveals that existing practices show some kind of agile flavours.
Originality/value
Agile principles and methods are explored, including: philosophy, values, practices and benefits. The management approaches used by construction SMEs are analyzed and discussed. The paper presents recommendations and insights for enhancing the performance and efficiency of SMEs by adopting agile values in their business processes.
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Lauri Koskela and Bhargav Dave
This paper's aim is to provide a fresh perspective on how to address process improvement and information technology (IT) in an integrated fashion in order to improve the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper's aim is to provide a fresh perspective on how to address process improvement and information technology (IT) in an integrated fashion in order to improve the efficiency of the construction process.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper looks at the problems associated with the “conventional” way of addressing IT within construction, and suggests improvements based on integrating three core organisational resources: people, process and technology.
Findings
The existing view that IT on its own brings organisational benefits leads to only marginal improvements in organisational efficiency if not resulting in negative impact. However, by correctly integrating people, process and IT initiatives, significant benefits can be achieved.
Originality/value
This paper provides value by providing a conceptualisation for addressing people, process and technology within the construction sector.
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Peter E.D. Love, Zahir Irani and David J. Edwards
Presents a holistic approach to construction project SCM. Specifically, a seamless project supply chain management (SCM) model is proposed that integrates the design and…
Abstract
Presents a holistic approach to construction project SCM. Specifically, a seamless project supply chain management (SCM) model is proposed that integrates the design and production processes of construction projects. The proposed model was subjected to validation by a sample of industry practitioners and their comments are presented and reflected upon. Direction for future research is provided and such work aims to: explore the legalities of implementing the model; develop an appropriate benchmarking framework; explore the use of quality function development; and probity issues when selecting project team members.
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Lesiba George Mollo, Fidelis Emuze and John Smallwood
The manufacturing industry is a well-known source of interventions adapted to solve problems in the construction industry. The use of Training-Within-Industry (TWI) is one such…
Abstract
Purpose
The manufacturing industry is a well-known source of interventions adapted to solve problems in the construction industry. The use of Training-Within-Industry (TWI) is one such intervention adopted in the construction industry to solve the construction problem relating to occupational health and safety (OHS). The objectives of TWI are to help the industry to transfer knowledge and skills from management to the employees. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to investigate whether TWI can reduce OHS problems by promoting “learning by doing” on construction sites.
Design/methodology/approach
A case-based-research method was used to investigate the reported OHS problems in the construction industry in South Africa. The data were quantitative and qualitative in nature; the questionnaire survey, semi-structured interview and focus group interview techniques were used to collect data in the study.
Findings
The findings provide a better understanding of the human contributions influencing the behaviour of people causing accidents on construction sites. The data show that construction project leaders struggle to promote “learning by doing” because of inappropriate behaviour, lack of communication and inadequate training provided to new workers on construction sites. Also, there is significant scope for TWI deployment in construction because of the inability of supervisors or management to promote “learning by doing” on construction sites.
Practical implications
Based on the research findings, it is discovered that OHS is a serious concern in the construction industry. Therefore, the adoption of learning by doing on a construction site would help to improve OHS outcome.
Originality/value
The study highlights the need to introduce TWI on construction sites to reduce human failure causing accidents. TWI could lead to improving the knowledge- and skills-transfer programmes for construction workers in favour of better safety performance.
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Suryani Ahmad, Robby Soetanto and Chris Goodier
This study applied the lean approach to the reinforcement work process in the component production of industrialised building system precast concrete construction (IBSPCC). The…
Abstract
Purpose
This study applied the lean approach to the reinforcement work process in the component production of industrialised building system precast concrete construction (IBSPCC). The purpose of this paper is to identify and eliminate non-value added (NVA) activities to enhance the efficiency of the production process.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected via a case study of six-storey precast concrete building. A mapping of the reinforcement work process was conducted based on observations using time study technique and time-lapsed video, complemented by semi-structured interviews.
Findings
Through this application, several NVA activities, such as unnecessary inventory, excessive movement and coordination issues, were identified. Production performance could be enhanced by implementing Just-in-Time, Kanban, and layout improvements, which would address NVA activities.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the complexity of the construction process, only specific process elements were observed. To map the complete process, comprehensive observation must be conducted from beginning to end, which, though worthwhile, would be very time and resource intensive.
Originality/value
This paper focusses on strategies for improving the efficiency of the IBSPCC production process in Malaysian construction by developing a conceptual framework of the lean approach for the reinforcement work process. Certain aspects in the process such as layout and inventory need to be redesigned and simplified by minimising NVA activities.
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Qian Chen, Bryan T. Adey, Carl T. Haas and Daniel M. Hall
The dynamic nature and complexity of construction projects make it challenging to ensure that the engineer-to-order (ETO) materials supplied onsite match changing needs. The quick…
Abstract
Purpose
The dynamic nature and complexity of construction projects make it challenging to ensure that the engineer-to-order (ETO) materials supplied onsite match changing needs. The quick and efficient communication of required changes in material fabrication, delivery and use, due to changes in the design and construction schedules, is needed to address the challenges. This study aims to provide a novel integrated management framework with its embedded informatics to help major stakeholders efficiently absorb agility during communication to deal with required changes and improve workflows.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated management framework is developed that integrates the milestones in look-ahead plans and structured iterative processes for major supply chain stakeholders to quickly disseminate information emanating from changes in design, schedules, production and transportation. A prototype system is devised including the informatics to support the framework, which consists of BIM-RFID functional modules and a central database and uses a client-server architecture. The usefulness of the prototype is illustrated using a construction of part of a fictive but realistic high-rise building.
Findings
The integrated management framework with the informatics provides major stakeholders with the ability to coordinate their activities efficiently and stimulate their agility (measured by process time) in planning and controlling material information. Although only a fictive example was used, it is shown that the use of the system is likely to result in a substantial reduction in the time required to deal with required changes when delivering ETO materials onsite (by 18% in the example).
Research limitations/implications
The functionalities of the prototype system can be easily scaled up to coordinate changes in the design and scheduling of other types of materials. More functional developments are needed to show the extent of the possible improvement for entire construction projects. Future work should focus on investigating the possible improvements for other types and sizes of construction projects, and eventually in real-world construction projects.
Practical implications
By fitting the look-ahead plans into structured iterative processes through digital data sharing, stakeholders increased their capability to quickly capture required change information and resolve associated problems. This is particularly useful for the management of ETO supply chain processes, where prefabricated elements such as ductwork, plumbing, and mechanical systems typically have to be modified because of last-minute design and schedule changes.
Originality/value
Unlike traditional information technology (IT) based supply chain management practices, this research is characterized by a process-centered management framework that provides explicit decision points over iterative planning processes for major stakeholders to manage material information. The iterations through digital data sharing allow stakeholders to quickly respond to last-minute changes on site, which fundamentally achieves workflow agility in the construction supply chain context.