Developing Lean and Agile Supply Chains in the Uk Housebuilding Industry

M. Naim1, J. Naylor2 & J. Barlow3

1Corresponding author: [email protected]: +44 (0)1222-874271 Fax: +44 (0)1222-874301Logistics Systems Dynamics Group, Department of Maritime Studies and International Transport, Cardiff University, P.O. Box 907, Cardiff, CF1 3YP.
2Formally LSDG, Cardiff, now Unipart UK.
3SPRU, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RF, [email protected]: +44 (0)1273-877166 Fax: +44 (0)1273 685865.

Abstract

The paper presents the concept of ‘leagility’. Building on lean and agile literature, the paper describes the similarities and differences between these concepts and the application of each paradigm within the context of the total supply chain. Particular attention is paid to the notion of the ‘decoupling point’, which determines the location within the supply chain at which a product is customised. Using examples from various industries, the potential for the application of ‘leagility’ in housebuilding is described, as well as the barriers to its introduction in the UK.

Keywords

Supply chain, process orientation, lean thinking, agile construction, housebuilding.

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Reference

Naim, M. , Naylor, J. & Barlow, J. 1999. Developing Lean and Agile Supply Chains in the Uk Housebuilding Industry, 7th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , 159-170. doi.org/

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