@CONFERENCE{Akel2001, author={Akel, Nadia G. and Tommelein, Iris D. and Boyers, J.C. and Walsh, Kenneth D. and Hershauer, James C. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Considerations for Streamlining a Vertically-Integrated Company - A Case Study}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/127}, affiliation={Ph.D. Student, P.E., Civil and Envir. Engrg. Department, 215 McLaughlin Hall, Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-1712, TEL/FAX 925/944-9598, ngakel@uclink4.Berkeley.edu ; Professor, Civil and Envir. Engrg. Department, 215-A McLaughlin Hall, Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-1712, 510/643-8678, FAX 510/643-8919, tommelein@ce.berkeley.edu ; Corporate Alliance Team Operations Manager, Butler Manufacturing Company, 700 Karnes Blvd. (64108) P.O. Box 419917, Kansas City, MO, 64141-0917, 816/968-3914, FAX: 816/968-4385, jcboyers@butlermfg.com ; Associate Professor, Del E. Webb School of Construction, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA, 85287-0204, 480/965-3615, FAX: 480/965-1769, ken.walsh@asu.edu ; Professor, Department of Management, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA, 85287-4006, james.hershauer@asu.edu }, abstract={This study focuses on the application of vertical integration, supply chain management, and lean construction practices to Butler Manufacturing Company, a pre-engineered metal building manufacturing company. Butler engineers, designs, manufactures, and erects building systems and architectural products for the nonresidential construction market. It is currently the leading producer in the 5 billion-dollar metal pre-engineered metal building market. Butler is vertically integrated. Nevertheless, its design, manufacturing, and construction businesses operate more-orless independently. The company therefore is not able to reap the benefits of a truly integrated enterprise. In addition to describing the industry and Butler’s organization, the purpose of this case study is to explore vertical integration within Butler for two reasons: (1) to identify means for achieving true integration amongst the company’s various businesses and (2) to guide the company in becoming a “lean” organization. This study investigates the possibilities of achieving closer alignment between Butler’s design/manufacturing arm and its construction arm. Such alignment may be achieved by implementing lean production principles not only within but also across organizational boundaries. This study also briefly touches on the company’s supply chain. This paper points out that Butler’s design/manufacturing arm and its construction arm are not taking advantage of available opportunities presented by vertical integration, supply chain management, or lean production practices. It recommends that these divisions of Butler learn to work together more closely and toward joint exploitation of these opportunities. }, author_keywords={Vertical integration, supply chain management, lean construction, pre-engineered metal building systems, Butler Manufacturing, BUCON, corporate strategy. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Alarcon2001, author={Alarcon, Luis F. and Diethelm, Sven }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Organizing to Introduce Lean Practices in Construction Companies}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/128}, affiliation={Universidad Católica de Chile, Escuela de Ingeniería, Casilla 306, Correo 22, Santiago, Chile, e-mail: lalarcon@ing.puc.cl ; Universidad Católica de Chile, Escuela de Ingeniería, Casilla 306, Correo 22, Santiago, Chile, e-mail: sdiethel@ing.puc.cl }, abstract={This paper describes organizational issues addressed by seven companies in their attempt to introduce “Lean Construction” practices and techniques in their organizations. Seven Chilean construction companies are currently developing a collaborative research and implementation effort to improve their competitiveness in the local and international market. These companies have committed to develop several activities together: a) The implementation of methods to identify and reduce waste in construction projects, b) The development and implementation of a performance measuring system for internal and external benchmarking, and c) Implementation of the “Last Planner” concepts in their project planning systems. The paper provides an overview of the research and implementation activities and then focus on organizational and management issues faced by the companies during this project. The organizational approach of each of the companies is described together with their successes and failures, in an early stage of the project. These findings are compared with others reported in the literature in an effort to identify the ingredients of the most successful strategies. }, author_keywords={Change management; lean construction; human resource management, improvement organization. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Alarcon2001, author={Alarcon, Luis F. and Grillo, Alejandro and Freire, Javier and Diethelm, Sven }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Learning From Collaborative Benchmarking in the Construction Industry}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/129}, affiliation={Universidad Católica de Chile, Escuela de Ingeniería, Casilla 306, Correo 22, Santiago, Chile, e-mail: lalarcon@ing.puc.cl ; Corporación de Desarrollo Tecnológico, CDT, Chilean Chamber of Construction. Marchant Pereira 221, Oficina 11, Santiago, Chile, e -mail: agrillo@cdt.cl jfreire@cdt.cl ; Corporación de Desarrollo Tecnológico, CDT, Chilean Chamber of Construction. Marchant Pereira 221, Oficina 11, Santiago, Chile, e -mail: sdiethel@ing.puc.cl ; Universidad Católica de Chile, Escuela de Ingeniería, Casilla 306, Correo 22, Santiago, Chile, e-mail: sdiethel@ing.puc.cl }, abstract={A collaborative research effort among construction companies has allowed the design and implementation of a performance measurement system in Chilean construction companies. This effort is starting to give preliminary results as new companies are adopting the system that is expected to reach critical mass in the Chilean construction industry. In the future, international organisations are expected to join this effort to extend the potential impact to new countries and companies. The system database will be useful to develop third party benchmarking to contribute to the improvement of the industry as a whole. The implementation of performance measurement systems, which include measures adapted to lean construction, is discussed in this paper. The paper discusses the development process, the performance measures selected and some implementation issues. The paper also shows some preliminary findings from the baseline data obtained from the companies and projects already included in the database. The paper illustrates the value that can be obtained for the companies and for the industry from this collaborative benchmarking effort and extends an invitation to companies world-wide to share their experience using this exciting methodology. This benchmarking project, currently underway, provides an excellent starting point for collaborative research carried out in different countries and locations. }, author_keywords={Benchmarking; lean construction; construction performance measures. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Ballard2001, author={Ballard, Glenn and Koskela, Lauri and Howell, Gregory and Zabelle, Todd }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Production System Design in Construction}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/130}, affiliation={Research Director, Lean Construction Institute, 4536 Fieldbrook Road, Oakland, CA 94619. 510/530-8656, ballard@leanconstruction.org, and Associate Adjunct Professor, Construction Eng. & Mgmt. Program, Dept. of Civil & Env. Eng., University of California at Berkeley ; Senior Researcher, VTT Building Technology, Concurrent Engineering, P.O.Box 1801, FIN-02044 VTT, Finland, Phone +358 9 4564556, Fax +358 9 4566251, E-mail lauri.koskela@vtt.fi ; Executive Director, Lean Construction Institute, Box 1003, Ketchum, ID 83340. 208/726-9989, howell@leanconstruction.org ; President, Strategic Project Solutions and member, Board of Directors, Lean Construction Institute. 415/533-8494, tzabelle@strategicprojectsolutions.net }, abstract={Guidelines are proposed for the design of production systems, which are understood to involve both designing and making products. Production system design serves the three goals of production systems: do the job, maximize value, and minimize waste. For each of the latter two, ends-means hierarchies are proposed that progressively answer the question “What should we do to achieve a goal?”, moving from desired ends to actionable means. Production system design extends from global organization to the design of operations; e.g., from decisions regarding who is to be involved in what roles to decisions regarding how the physical work will be accomplished. Previously, project planning has focused primarily on organizational structuring and creation of work breakdown structures that divide the work to be done. We propose to include the production system itself, which has been virtually invisible and taken for granted. Doing so necessarily involves moving from a conception of production solely in terms of transformation of inputs to a wider concept of production that acknowledges the flow and value generation character of production. The paper ends with a discussion of further research needs, originating from the endsmeans hierarchies developed. }, author_keywords={Construction, production system, production system design, waste, value, value generation. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Ballard2001, author={Ballard, Glenn }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Cycle Time Reduction in Home Building}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/131}, affiliation={Associate Adjunct Professor, Construction Eng. & Mgt. Program, Dept. of Civil & Env. Eng., University of California at Berkeley, and Research Director, Lean Construction Institute, 4536 Fieldbrook Road, Oakland, CA 94619. 510/530-8656, ballard@leanconstruction.org. }, abstract={Even Flow Production is an innovation in residential construction intended to increase the reliability of work flow. That objective is to be accomplished by adherence to a standard schedule for sale, design, construction, and turnover of a home. In turn, increased work flow reliability reduces cycle time, the time required to deliver a home to a customer. Reliability increases as variability is reduced, allowing a reduction of slack in activity durations and of inventory previously needed to accommodate that variability. Increased work flow reliability is also a necessary condition for taking other actions to reduce cycle time. This paper proposes a method for reducing cycle time within the context of even flow production. The key innovation is the formation of multicraft teams responsible for specific systems and components of a house. Each team is to be helped to: 1) Overlap activities within their phase of the work, 2) reduce activity durations through time studies, and 3) reduce work-in-process through the development of multi-skilled workers. }, author_keywords={cycle time, even flow production, multi-skilled workers, work flow reliability }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Bertelsen2001, author={Bertelsen, Sven }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Lean Construction as an Integrated Production}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/132}, affiliation={Consulting Engineer; Project Manager, Habitat as; Director, Sven Bertelsen Strategic Consultant, Morlenesvej 22, 2840 Holte, DK Denmark, +45 4542 4705, FAX +45 4541 4705, sven@bertelsen.org }, abstract={The general approach within lean construction is to make the construction process, as it is normally undertaken on the construction site, leaner by reducing non-value-generating activities. This is usually done respecting the traditional division of work into trades. However, inspired by the manufacturing industries, this approach might be challenged. Manufacturing industries very seldom keep up the division of work into trades. Instead the product is divided into subassemblies, often made of independent suppliers down the supply chain under individual design and manufacture contracts. The paper presents a five year Danish experiment within the housing sector, making this approach within six completed schemes and three in progress comprising app. 350 apartments, mostly in terraced houses. Even though cost reductions have been hard to demonstrate, a number of other benefits have been found. Increased focus on customer value, shorter project completion time, much fewer faults and omissions, and higher customer satisfaction. The paper outlines the approach and reports on some of the lessons learnt and discusses the experiences in relation to the Lean Construction theories. }, author_keywords={Lean production, integrated production, industrialization, modularization, complexity. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Choo2001, author={Choo, Hyun Jeong and Tommelein, Iris D. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Requirements and Barriers to Adoption of Last Planner Computer Tools}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/133}, affiliation={Ph.D. Candidate, Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt. Program, Civil and Envir. Engrg. Dept., 215 McLaughlin Hall #1712, Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, choohj@ce.berkeley.edu ; Professor, Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt. Program, Civil and Envir. Engrg. Dept., 215-A McLaughlin Hall #1712, Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, tommelein@ce.berkeley.edu }, abstract={The Last Planner methodology has been applied to construction and design. These efforts have resulted in the development of computer programs (WorkPlan and DePlan) that guide production units in creating reliable work plans. One of these programs was extended to include distributed planning and coordination and space scheduling capabilities as well (WorkMovePlan). During and after the development of these tools, LCI member companies used them and provided valuable feedback. Some of these companies have developed in-house spreadsheet applications to meet their own particular needs. These beta-testers were familiar with the Last Planner concepts, which allowed them to make suggestions based on their conception of the Last Planner methodology. This paper reports on the feedback from the beta-testers of WorkPlan, DePlan, and WorkMovePlan. This feedback provided a foundation for further specifying requirements for the Last Planner computer tools. The paper also discusses barriers to adoption of Last Planner tools in companies that are new to lean construction and in companies that have already started lean transformation. These findings not only assist in improving existing tools but also reveal new areas for computer tool implementation. }, author_keywords={Last Planner methodology, lean construction, design management, construction management, production management, computer tools, distributed planning, coordination, planning, scheduling, space scheduling, WorkPlan, DePlan, WorkMovePlan, work package, assignment. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{David2001, author={David, K.H. Chua and Shen, Li Jun }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Constraint Modeling and Buffer Management With Integrated Production Scheduler}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/134}, affiliation={Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Nat. Univ. of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260. 65/874-2195, E-mail: cvedavid@nus.edu.sg ; Research Scholar, Dept. of Civil Engrg., National Univ. of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, 65/874-6498, Email: engp8591@nus.edu.s }, abstract={Constraint modeling is a necessary step in construction planning. The basic CPM approach provides a simple and practical means for resolving time-related precedence constraints between activities. However, most CPM-based tools do not support dealing with the constraints regarding resource and information availabilities at the productionlevel planning phase. When these constraints are concealed in the work plan, it is difficult to assure that they are removed in time so that work takes place as planned. Consequently, the reliability of work plans/assignments will be reduced. This paper presents a scheduling tool called integrated production scheduler (IPS) to handle the nonprecedence constraints in supply chain and information flow. The IPS has three main objectives to be fulfilled. The first is to promote work plan reliability. The second is to increase resource utilization and throughput based on the estimated resource profile. The third is to maintain a stable work flow through reducing uncertainties in the supply chain and information flow. To further facilitate reliable planning, a set of schedule buffers are established to help manage the constraints. Specifically, the working buffer and the shielding buffer ensure quality assignments by removing resource conflicts and supply chain uncertainties. The pulling buffer and the screening buffer increase resource and information availabilities by managing the delivery issues in advance. With the proposed schedule buffer management, it is feasible to enhance the reliability of look-ahead plans and consequently achieve lean process management. }, author_keywords={Constraint, buffer management, lean construction, look-ahead planning, Integrated Production Scheduler. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Chua2001, author={Chua, D.K.H. and Tyagiq, A. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Process-Parameter-Interface Model for Lean Design Management}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/135}, affiliation={Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Civil Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260 email: cvedavid@nus.edu.sg ; Research Scholar, Dept. of Civil Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260 email: engp9818@nus.edu.sg }, abstract={Successful management of design is critical to cost-effectiveness, timeliness and quality of the entire project. This paper presents a model for managing the AEC design from a lean perspective. The model, through its constituent components, aims at achieving lean philosophy objectives, such as, reduction in the share of non-value adding activities, increased transparency, process simplification and increased output flexibility. The model has been called Process-Parameter-Interface model. The entities associated with the model include a Design Dictionary, an Interface, the model engine and an information-based design dependency matrix. These entities enable the design management capabilities in the model, with a focus on lean philosophy. }, author_keywords={Lean, design rework, transparency, process simplification, output flexibility, key design parameter, Interface, Design Dictionary, Information-based design dependency matrix. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Crutcher2001, author={Crutcher, Caren A. and Walsh, Kenneth D. and Hershauer, James C. and Tommelein, Iris D. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Effects of a Preferred Vendor Relationship on an Electrical Component Supplier and Electrical Contractor - A Case Study}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/136}, affiliation={Graduate Research Assistant, Del E. Webb School of Construction, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA, 85287-0204, 480-965-3615, FAX: 480-965-1769, caren.crutcher@asu.edu ; Associate Professor, Del E. Webb School of Construction, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA, 85287-0204, 480-965-3615, FAX: 480-965-1769, ken.walsh@asu.edu ; Professor, Department of Management, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA, 85287-4006, james.hershauer@asu.edu ; Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Berkeley, 215-A McLaughlin Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-1712, USA, 510-643-8678, FAX: 510-643-8919, tommelein@ce.berkeley.edu }, abstract={Proven supply chain management techniques hold much promise for the further development of construction as an industry, in terms of gaining efficiencies and streamlining processes. Because construction processes rely so heavily on people working together, examining new ways that participants on a project communicate and form relationships is vital to the advancement of the construction industry. This paper focuses on a case study that explores the effects of a strategic partnership directly observed in practice. This partnership evolved to support an alliance formed between a major owner/client, a general contractor, a mechanical contractor and an electrical contractor. The partnership is a preferred vendor relationship between the electrical contractor and an electrical component supplier. In this sense, the partnership on which the case focuses is one tier removed from the alliance, from a supply chain perspective. The implementation of this strategic partnership involved restructuring the process for procuring non-engineered, commodity type electrical components. This restructuring resulted in marked increases in productivity, reduction of inventory, and in efficiencies gained in material handling. }, author_keywords={Supply chain management, construction supply chain, strategic partnering, inventory management, electrical contractor, distributor. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Cuperus2001, author={Cuperus, Ype }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={An Introduction to Open Building}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/137}, affiliation={Director, OBOM Research Group, Delft University of Technology, De Vries van Heystplantsoen 2 2628 RZ Delft, The Netherlands, ph: +31.15.278 5400, FAX +31.15.278 8295, y.j.cuperus@bk.tudelft.nl }, abstract={This paper aims to connect Open Building to Lean Construction. The concept of Open Building identifies the conflict between the inertia of the building and construction industry and a consumer demand in constant state of flux. It suggests distinguishing different levels of decision making, in order to decouple building parts with different life cycles, controlled by different parties, built by different trades. In order to decouple and yet coordinate, a set of rules for dimensioning, positioning and interfacing was developed. The paper concludes with examples of systems and product development, based on the principles of Open Building. It is an introduction to Open Building for a forum of Lean construction experts. Future discussions will show whether a synergy between the two concepts mentioned is worth exploring. }, author_keywords={Open Building, Lean Construction, levels of decision making, positional and dimensional coordination. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Dulaimi2001, author={Dulaimi, Mohammed Fadhil and Tanamas, Caoline }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={The Principles of the Application of Lean Construction in Singapore}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/138}, affiliation={Assistant Professor, Department of Building, School of Design and Environment, 4 Architecture Drive, National University of Singapore, tel: 0065-8746501, fax: 0065-7755502, mdulaimi@nus.edu.sg. ; Building Batchelor Student, Department of Building, School of Design and Environment, 4 Architecture Drive, National University of Singapore }, abstract={Lean construction is a new way to design and build capital facilities. It advocates the simultaneous consideration of product and process development using simultaneous engineering. This philosophy has challenged the belief that there is always a trade off between cost, time and quality. This study examines the pre-requisites and barriers for the possible implementation of lean construction in the local industry. Interviews are done with the managing directors and construction managers from selected Singapore ISO 9000 certified construction firms. From the research findings, it is found that only certain features of lean construction have been implemented locally. The biggest barrier is the cultural resistance to change. }, author_keywords={Lean construction, Quality, Barriers, Singapore, Value, Waste. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{El-Mashaleh2001, author={El-Mashaleh, Mohammad and O'Brien, William J. and London, Kerry }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Envelopment Methodology to Measure and Compare Subcontractor Productivity at the Firm Level}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/139}, affiliation={Ph.D. Candidate, Dept. of Civl & Coastal Engineering, University of Florida, mashaleh@ufl.edu ; Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civl & Coastal Engineering, University of Florida, 345 Weil Hall, PO Box 116580, Gainesville, Florida 32611-6580, USA, wjob@ce.ufl.edu ; Senior Lecturer, School of Construction, UNITEC, Carrington Rd, Private Bag 92025, Auckland, New Zealand, klondon@unitec.ac.nz }, abstract={This paper describes a conceptual approach to measure and compare productivity of resource utilization at the firm level, adapting a set of techniques known as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Within this approach, the paper addresses the issues of multiple inputs and multiple outputs of a construction firm, level of detail for data collection, and the required transformations to correct for differences among projects. In particular, we focus on the resource management of subcontractors. Subcontractors manage multiple, concurrent projects and must allocate limited resources across these projects. Interaction between projects and resource allocation creates non-linear effects, and therefore the productivity of the firm is not simply the productivity of its projects. The proposed measurement methodology will allow assessment of the impact of different management policies (including many of those proposed by lean construction researchers) on firm performance. It is hoped that this novel approach to productivity measurement will help subcontractors identify efficient practices and superior management policies, and will promote adoption of these policies. }, author_keywords={Construction productivity, construction efficiency, subcontractor resource management, total factor productivity, data envelopment analysis, lean construction. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Garas2001, author={Garas, Gihan L. and Anis, Ahmed R. and Gammal, Adel El }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Materials Waste in the Egyptian Construction Industry}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/140}, affiliation={Associate researcher, National Research center, & Ph.D. student Cairo University Faculty of Engineering, garas-g@usa.net ; Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Cairo University, Faculty of Engineering, aanis@masrawy.com ; Assistant Professor, National Research center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt , ELGAMMALADEL@hotmail.com }, abstract={This paper addresses the incidence of material waste in the Egyptian Construction Industry. Construction material waste has proved to have a negative effect on the national economy and the environment. To evaluate the current practices, an in-depth study aiming to identify and quantify waste generation rates and their causes was conducted. A waste diagnostic survey was carried out on a sample of 35 top contractors. The contractors’ selection was based on their size of capital and experience according to the classification of the Egyptian Union for Building and Construction Contractors. The survey focused on the waste rates and causes of the most dominant materials influencing the projects’ costs. The study indicated that among the most fundamental causes of material waste were “Late information”, and “Changes to design”. A comparison between the local materials waste values in the Egyptian Industry and recently published international values was also carried out. This article is part of a Ph.D. thesis currently underway by the first author and supervised by the other two authors. }, author_keywords={Materials wastes, waste rates, dominant causes, construction industry }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Gil2001, author={Gil, N and Tommelein, I.D. and Kirkendall, R. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Modeling the Design-Build Development Process for a Facility Component}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/141}, affiliation={Doctoral Candidate, Constr. Engrg. & Mgmt. Program, Civil & Envir. Engrg. Dept., 215 McLaughlin Hall, U.C. Berkeley, CA 94720-1712, USA, ngil@uclink4.berkeley.edu, http://www.ce.berkeley.edu/~nunogil/ ; Professor, Constr. Engrg. & Mgmt. Program, Civil & Envir. Engrg. Dept., 215 McLaughlin Hall, U.C. Berkeley, CA 94720-1712, USA, tommelein@ce.berkeley.edu, http://www.ce.berkeley.edu/~tommelein/ ; Sr. Interior Designer, Industrial Design Corporation, 2020 S.W. Fourth Avenue, 3rd Floor, Portland, OR 97201, USA, robert.kirkendall@idc -ch2m.com }, abstract={In unstable environments, characterized by frequent client-driven changes in design criteria and by huge pressure to compress project delivery times, practitioners must search for innovative ways to structure the design-build process. Involving specialty contractors from project inception onwards, helps to satisfy client needs. Based on empirical research in the semiconductor industry, this paper presents a product-process model that reflects the joint system of designing and building a facility component. The model expresses, in a parametric fashion, critical design, procurement, and construction decisions as the design-build process unfolds. A model implementation that uses discrete-event simulation contrasts the effects of early vs. late specialty-contractor involvement in design. Results show that early contractor involvement benefits the average project duration but increases the duration variability and may significantly increase the waste of construction resources if improperly implemented. Postponement of design decisions helps to reduce waste without penalizing the project duration much. Results also show that fabrication decisions should not be neglected in early design efforts when expediting a project. }, author_keywords={design-build development process, design postponement, specialty contractor knowledge, design criteria change, discrete-event simulation, early commitment, postponement }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Goh2001, author={Goh, Choon Kwee and Chng, Grace Siew Tuan and Nashila, Abas Binte and Lenihan, Donal }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={The Effectiveness of Internal Quality Audits on ISO 9000 Quality Management Systems in the Construction Sector}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/142}, affiliation={Senior Quantity Surveyor, Cost Control & Contracts Management, KPK Quantity Surveyors, Singapore ; Marketing Officer, Building and Construction Authority, Singapore ; Clerk-of-Works, Housing and Development Board, Singapore ; Lecturer, Faculty of the Constructed Environment, RMIT University, Melbourne }, abstract={This paper examines the effectiveness, within the construction sector, of the Internal Quality Audit (IQA) and its contribution to Quality Management System (QMS) based on the ISO 9000 Certification Scheme. Once a company has obtained ISO Certification the IQA is amongst the requirements specified in the ISO Standards that must be maintained. However, the way the IQA is conducted has an effect on its contribution to the QMS. This specifically includes company risk management and compliance with contractual obligations. A literature review establishes the relationship between the QMS, ISO implementation and the auditing system. The four indicators of an effective IQA are identified. These indicators are then be used as a basis to measure effectiveness of IQAs when applied to construction. This paper draws on the findings of recently conducted case studies conducted on the use of IQAs in the construction industry in Singapore. The key finding is that IQAs are under utilized in terms of a measure of the effectiveness of the QMS and also as a measure of demonstrating compliance with contractual obligations. The recommendations arising from this research fall into two categories. The first category relates to the need to increase the frequency of conducting IQAs in order that there is adequate evidence of implementation of the QMS for the purpose of risk minimization, third party audits and compliance with contractual obligations. The second area is the need to train and educate staff to understand the role and contribution of the IQA to the overall QMS process. }, author_keywords={Quality Management Systems, Quality Assurance, Internal Quality Audits, ISO 9000 Certification }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Hirota2001, author={Hirota, Ercilia H. and Fomoso, Carlos T. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Barriers to Management Innovations: Communicating Meanings}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/143}, affiliation={Dr. , senior lecturer at State University of Londrina, Brazil – Centro de Tecnologia e Urbanismo – Campus Universitário – C.P. 6001 – 86.051-970 – Londrina – Paraná – Brazil - e-mail: ehirota@sercomtel.com.br – phone number 55 43 371-4455.. ; Ph.D., Associate Professor at UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil – Av. Osvaldo Aranha, 99 – 3. Andar – 90.035- 190 – Porto Alegre – RS – Brazil – e-mail: formoso@cpgec.ufrgs.br – phone number: 55 51 316-3815. }, abstract={The application of the New Production Philosophy (Lean Production) in the construction industry is a challenge to both researchers and professionals due to its innovative approach to the management of production systems. In addition, the consolidation of a theory in this field demands the application of its concepts and principles in practical situations. However, the implementation of Lean Production concepts and principles faces some communication and learning barriers. This paper presents some of the results of a PhD research project concerned with the development of management competencies, which proposes an integrated use of action learning and cognitive approaches to encourage the application of Lean Production concepts and principles in construction management. This study assumes that learning is strongly influenced by cultural values and beliefs. This cultural approach to learning implies that the development of management competencies requires not only a set of new knowledge but also an in depth questioning process in order to develop adequate attitudes towards production management problems. A reflection on the meanings of Lean Production concepts and principles was undertaken, assuming that the adoption of this theoretical framework by the industry requires a change in the current construction management paradigm. The objective of this paper is to discuss Lean Production concepts and principles from a cultural perspective and the use of Action Learning approach to identify some cognitive and cultural barriers to the implementation of such managerial innovation. A discussion on Action Learning is followed by an analysis of the changes observed in the attitudes of one construction manager, who took part in an Action Learning set. }, author_keywords={action learning, cognition, concept mapping, culture, lean construction, meaning }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Horman2001, author={Horman, Michael J. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Modeling the Effects of Lean Capacity Strategies on Project Performance}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/144}, affiliation={Assistant Professor, Department of Architectural Engrg., Pennsylvania State Univ., 211 Engineering Unit A, University Park, PA 16802-1417, 814/863-2080, FAX 814/863-4789, mjhorman@engr.psu.edu }, abstract={Common lean wisdom concerning efficient operations is to reduce variability in workflow throughput. Lean producers use various methods to dissipate production variability in a system that provides wide product variety in order to allow production to better match demand. Amongst these is the use of flexible capacity strategies to adapt to changeable conditions when this approach best suits. Yet, this is a part of lean thinking that is not yet well understood by the lean construction community. This paper models the effects of adaptable capacity strategies on project performance. Construction operators tend to match capacity to situations of minimal variability. Consequently, they do not always have sufficient capability to efficiently engage the changeable conditions commonly encountered in construction projects. The analysis in this paper focuses on the effects of additional capacity on project performance. A stochastic model was run over a number of projects, indicating in all cases improved performance when an optimal amount of capacity was added. The best results achieved were a 40% reduction in project delivery time and 10% reduction in project costs. It is concluded that further research is needed to develop more adaptable capacity management strategies, as there is strong evidence to suggest improved project performance as a result. }, author_keywords={Capacity, resources, process dynamics, lean construction, simulation modeling. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Howell2001, author={Howell, Gregory A. and Ballard, Glenn and Hall, Jerome }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Capacity Utilization and Wait Time: A Primer for Construction}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/145}, affiliation={Executive Director, Lean Construction Institute, Box 1003, Ketchum, ID 83340. Ph: 208/726-9989, Fax: 707 248-1369. ghowell@leanconstruction.org ; Associate Adjunct Professor, Construction Eng. & Mgt. Program, Dept. of Civil & Env. Eng., University of California at Berkeley, and Research Director, Lean Construction Institute, 4536 Fieldbrook Road, Oakland, CA 94619. 510/530-8656, ballard@leanconstruction.org. ; Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-1351. Ph. 505.277.1418, jerome@unm.edu }, abstract={The relationship between capacity utilization, wait time and variation is well understood in traffic and industrial engineering where the relationships are stated as fundamental laws. This paper will explain this concept and its implications for construction, and will challenge the current view that time and cost must always be in tension. The paper will show that reducing variation in work flow will improve performance and that the resulting improvement can be applied to reducing duration and/or cost. }, author_keywords={Capacity Utilization, Cycle Time, Last Planner, Little’s law, Production Management, Productivity, Throughput, Variability, Wait Time }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Kim2001, author={Kim, Yong-Woo and Ballard, Glenn }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Activity-Based Costing and Its Applicationto Lean Construction}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/146}, affiliation={Ph.D. Candidate, Constr. Engrg. And Mgmt. Program, Civil and Envir. Engrg. Dept., 215 McLaughlin Hall #1712, University of California at Berke ley, CA 94720, ywkim@uclink4.berkeley.edu ; Director of Research, Lean Construction Institute, and Associate Adjunct Professor, Construction Engineering and Management Program, Civil and Envir. Engrg. Dept., University of California at Berkeley, 4536 Fieldbrook Road, Oakland, CA 94619, ballard@leanconstruction.org }, abstract={Activity-Based Costing (ABC) has been popular since the 1980s because it prevents cost distortions and provides a process view which traditional cost accounting cannot provide. Activity-Based Costing is based on a “flow view” in production theory in that ABC adopts two-staged costing, i.e., resources are assigned to activities and activities are assigned to cost objects. Lean construction comes from recognizing the limitations of current project management and applying “lean production” to the construction industry. This paper presents an application of ABC and an example of applying ABC to construction, exploring the relationship between activity-based costing and lean construction. It shows that lean project control can encompass cost control by adopting an activity-based costing system. }, author_keywords={Activity-based costing, resource-based costing, transformation view, flow view, and lean construction }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Koskela2001, author={Koskela, Lauri and Howell, Greg }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Reforming Project Management: The Role of Planning, Execution and Controlling}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/147}, affiliation={Senior Researcher, VTT Building and Transport, Concurrent Engineering, P.O.Box 1801, FIN-02044 VTT, Finland, Phone +358 9 4564556, Fax +358 9 4566251, E-mail lauri.koskela@vtt.fi ; Director, Lean Construction Institute. Box 1003, Ketchum, Id, 83340, U.S.A., Phone 208/726-9989, Fax 707/248-1369, E-mail ghowell@leanconstruction.org }, abstract={In this paper, we focus on the need for reforming the role of plans, execution (or action) and control in project management. We argue that the present style of project management, as described in the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) of PMI, is based on two underlying theories in this regard: management-as-planning (for planning and execution) and the thermostat model (for control). Unfortunately, both theories can be shown to be heroically simplistic and insufficient from the point of view of project management reality. In consequence, the practice of project management suffers from three shortcomings. The vague interface between planning and execution is the cause for two of them. First, the role of planning is not realistically defined, and short term planning (that is critical from the point of view of execution) is customarily poorly carried out or simply neglected. Secondly, there is no systematic way of managing execution, i.e. taking into account the actual conditions of the real world as higher level plans are translated into short term plans and then into action. Thirdly, control is too narrowly seen as measuring and taking corrective action, rather than as a process of learning. These arguments are justified by empirical data and theoretical discussion. }, author_keywords={Project management, plan, execution, control. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Koskela2001, author={Koskela, Lauri }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={On New Footnotes to Shingo}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/148}, affiliation={Senior Researcher, VTT Building and Transport, Concurrent Engineering, P.O.Box 1801, FIN-02044 VTT, Finland, Phone +358 9 4564556, Fax +358 9 4566251, E-mail lauri.koskela@vtt.fi }, abstract={The Toyota Production System (TPS) has continually inspired scholars of production management to a search for its essence. Two new interpretations have recently been advanced. Firstly, Johnston has argued that conventional production management is based on an approach to management called management-as-planning. The central assumption is that intentional activity is based on a representation of the world. Thus, management is essentially about planning, i.e. manipulation of that representation. Instead, the TPS is essentially based on an approach called management-as-organizing. Here it is assumed that human activity is inherently situated, i.e. a response to the situation in question. Secondly, Spear and Bowen have claimed that the key to understand the TPS is the idea of the scientific method. When a production standard is defined, it also establishes a hypothesis that can be tested. Thus, they seem to emphasize the approach of managementas- learning as the foundational idea behind the TPS. It is shown that while providing fresh and deeper understanding to management in the TPS, these interpretations are partial and can be positioned inside the view on production management presented by Shingo. In fact, based on Shingo and other extant analysis, it can be argued that there are four approaches to management that are applied in tight coupling and synergistically in the TPS: management-as-organizing, management-as-planning, management-as-adhering and management-as-learning. It is concluded that the superiority of the TPS in comparison to its rivals is founded not only on a better theory of production, but also on a better theory of management. }, author_keywords={Toyota production system, management, organizing, planning, adhering, learning. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Lam2001, author={Lam, Patrick T.I. and Kumaraswamy, Mohan M. and Ng, S. Thomas }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={The Multiple Roles of Specifications in Lean Construction}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/149}, affiliation={Lecturer, Building & Real Estate Dept., Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 852-27665799, FAX 852-27645131, bsplam@polyu.edu.hk ; Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering. University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 852-28591976, FAX 852-25595337, mohan@hkucc.hku.hk ; Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering., University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 852-28578556, FAX 852-25595337, tstng@hkucc.hku.hk }, abstract={The primary goal of Lean Production is to avoid the wastage of time, money and other resources. In the construction setting, a lot of wastages are attributed to delays, rework and the subsequent non-productive efforts expended in resolving disputes arising from such inefficiencies. Deficient specifications have been implicated in many waste scenarios. Despite that, little research has been conducted to examine the deficiencies of specifications. In this paper, the causes of deficient specifications are firstly examined under a postulated framework of issues that can be reasonably expected to be addressed by specifications – embracing formatting, technical, people management, legal and communication issues. Secondly, this paper aims at exploring the potential roles of specifications in the context of some of these issues, in elevating construction performance levels through a lean construction based strategy. }, author_keywords={Lean Production, Specifications, Deficiencies, Improvements, }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Leiringer2001, author={Leiringer, Roine }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={The Scope for Innovative Thinking Within Public Private Partnerships}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/150}, affiliation={Doctoral Researcher, Construction Management and Economics, Royal Institute of Technology, Drottning Kristinas väg 30, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden, roine@recm.kth.se }, abstract={The construction sector is routinely accused of being cost driven, with many key decisions taken on the basis of lowest cost instead of quality, safety, the environment and the long-term use of its products. The sector is plagued by traditions, customs and practices that preserve narrowly defined corporate interests at the expense of collaboration and customer orientation. Construction work is traditionally based on a statement of the perceived needs of the client and is accompanied by practices in which cost cutting is prioritised ahead of searching for something different and better. It is not so much about “lean thinking”, as “mean thinking”. Meanwhile, advocates of Public Private Partnership (PPP) procurement claim that not only are projects able to be initiated earlier and result in lower costs, they also provide better value for money, shorter construction times and higher quality in the end-product. Greater scope for innovation and improved working procedures are also claimed, supporting lean thinking, theories and applications. The paper explores some of the implications that Public Private Partnerships now present for the construction industry. }, author_keywords={Lean Thinking, Lean Construction, Public Private Partnerships, Technology Innovation }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Lindfors2001, author={Lindfors, Christian T. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Process Orientation: An Approach for Organisations to Function Effectively}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/151}, affiliation={Researcher, Department of Construction Management and Economics, The Royal Institute of Technology, Drottning Kristinas väg 30, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden, lindfors@recm.kth.se }, abstract={Managing the complexity of construction, in terms of controlling, handling and directing large organisations and projects to achieve success, forms part of the current work in the research project ‘value chain management in construction’, being undertaken in collaboration with a major Swedish construction company. Some of the early work has pinpointed deficiencies in current management thinking and practise within the subject company. One hypothesis is that project success is linked to the extent to which an organisation is able to manipulate and develop its processes to add value for the customer, whilst improving its internal management. A programme has therefore been initiated to systematically identify processes within the organisation and particularly the interaction between such. The work of identifying processes and their numerous interrelated and interacting processes has therefore been the focus of this research. To visualise the processes, extensive functional models have been created. From this a new process management approach has been derived, by the development of a project management system. The paper addresses the introduction of process orientation and process management to improve organisational efficiency and a structured way of making a systematic representation of processes. }, author_keywords={Value chain management, process modelling, process management, process orientation }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Marchesan2001, author={Marchesan, P.R.C. and Formoso, C.T. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Cost Management and Production Control for Construction Companies}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/152}, affiliation={MSc. – Research Assistant, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - Av. Osvaldo Aranha 99, 3o andar, Porto Alegre, RS. e-mail: prmarchesan@iname.com ; PhD – Associate Professor, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - Av. Osvaldo Aranha 99, 3o andar, Porto Alegre, RS. e-mail: formoso@vortex.ufrgs.br }, abstract={Construction, like other industries, has been experiencing profound changes involving both the business environment and internal organization. In this context, new cost management information that provides better understanding and helps managing increasingly turbulent and complex production processes is needed. Activity-based costing (ABC) has been suggested as the leading contender method to replace traditional cost accounting systems, due to its capability to make the processes and activities performed in the organization more transparent and observable. This paper reports the main results of a research project which aimed to develop a cost accounting system capable of providing useful information to manage production processes in construction and devise a model that integrates this system to the Production Planning and Control process, based on the new operations management paradigm and on the ABC ideas. The study involved three case studies, a series of interviews with construction managers and the development of prototype software. The main conclusions of this research work are that the cost information provided by the proposed management accounting system (a) makes the production processes more transparent; (b) helps to identify production inefficiencies; (c) encourages managers to introduce corrective actions; and (d) allows the evaluation of corrective actions to be undertaken. The study also indicated that the proposed model has contributed to establish systematic procedures for production control concerned not only with time management but also with cost management. }, author_keywords={Cost management, activity-based costing, lean construction, production control. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Miles2001, author={Miles, Robert S. and Ballard, Glenn }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Problems in the Interface Between Mechanical Design and Construction: A Research Proposal}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/153}, affiliation={VP Gowan, Inc., 5550 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77076. 713/696-5491; rsmiles@ix.netcom.com. ; Associate Adjunct Professor, Const. Eng. & Mgt. Program, Dept. of Civil & Env. Eng., University of California at Berkeley, and Research Director, Lean Construction Institute, 4536 Fieldbrook Road, Oakland, CA 94619. 510/530-8656; ballard@leanconstruction.org }, abstract={As construction projects emerge from the traditional delivery processes to modern fasttrack forms, stress has developed in the interface between the design professional’s delivery process and effective construction production. This is no greater evidenced than at the specialty contractor level. The current attempts at fast-track team type projects remain largely a time-compressed form of the traditional processes with respect to the design-construct production flow. While many of these projects are comprised of a preselected “team” of design and construction firms, in most cases the role of the specialty contractor is limited to pricing exercises and perhaps some traditional “value engineering” suggestions during the design phases. Substantial improvements in production workflow, if any, have been generally limited to the area of cooperative construction activity sequencing and scheduling. Problems arising from this situation are illustrated and research is proposed for testing possible solutions. }, author_keywords={Construction, fast-track, value chain, production process, pull, lean construction, delivery process }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Mitropoulos2001, author={Mitropoulos, Panagiotis (Takis) and Howell, Gregory }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Performance Improvement Programs and Lean Construction}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/154}, affiliation={Process Improvement Coordinator, DPR Construction, 1450 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City, Ca, 94603, (650) 474-1450, Takism@dprinc.com ; Executive Director, Lean Construction Institute, Box 1003, Ketchum, ID, 83340, 208/726-9989, ghowell@leanconstruction.org }, abstract={The paper examines the relationship between Lean Construction and Performance Improvement programs in construction organizations. The authors argue that the structure and focus of existing performance improvement programs are a barrier to Lean Construction’s entry into the organization. The paper first analyzes the characteristics of successful performance improvement programs, and develops a model that identifies three critical elements: 1) Time Spent on Improvement, 2) Improvement Skills and Mechanisms, and 3) Improvement Perspective and Goals. The authors identify different ways to “structure” the improvement program: outcome focused (such as Critical Success Factors) and process focused (such as Lean Construction). The paper discusses the implications of the different “perspectives” and argues that they lead to different improvement approaches each reflecting different paradigms for the nature of the change. The authors propose that “result-focused” improvement programs may be a barrier to the adoption of Lean Construction. }, author_keywords={Lean construction, Implementation, Improvement programs }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Picchi2001, author={Picchi, Flavio A. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={System View of Lean Construction Application Opportunities}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/155}, affiliation={Doctor in Engineering, Consultant, and Director of Lean Institute Brasil. R. Vergueiro, 3645 cj. 906 - São Paulo - CEP 04101-300, Brazil, +55-11-5579-9613, FAX +55-11-570-9613, piccon@xpnet.com.br. }, abstract={Construction has been one of the first sectors to discuss Lean Thinking in an environment different from that where it was developed. Lean Thinking is a broad concept and construction is a highly diversified and complex sector, so the opportunities for application are very wide. This paper will discuss these opportunities in a systematic framework, useful for identifying interactions among applications developed so far as well as gaps for future studies. This framework will be constructed crossing Lean Thinking core elements and construction main flows. Due to differences between construction and manufacturing, lean tools direct application is not suitable in most cases. Lean principles deployed to a detailed conceptual level, named core elements, is argued to be a better basis for the discussion of potential applications in different environments, as construction. According to lean concept, construction is understood in this paper as a connection of five main flows. The discussion of each core element for each flow points up opportunities of application. }, author_keywords={Lean construction, applications, system view. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Riley2001, author={Riley, David and Horman, Michael }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={The Effects of Design Coordination on Project Uncertainty}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/156}, affiliation={Associate Professor, Department of Architectural Engineering, Penn State University, 104 Eng. Unit A, University Park, PA, 16802. Ph: 814/863-2079 driley@engr.psu.edu ; Assistant Professor, Department of Architectural Engineering, Penn State University, 104 Eng. Unit A, University Park, PA, 16802. Ph: 814/863-2080 mjhorman@engr.psu.edu }, abstract={Improved design coordination can minimize project uncertainty by decreasing disruption, and reducing waste in the construction processes. While the relationship between coordination and uncertainty is understood, there is little empirical evidence that quantifies the linkage. This paper explores the effects of design coordination on project uncertainty, and demonstrates that investments in design coordination can typically return savings to building projects by reducing field-generated change orders and disruptions. Evidence is provided to demonstrate the cost-benefit relationship between investment in coordination planning and the cost of field conflicts. The effects of project delivery systems on the coordination process are examined through a comparison of the coordination process on fourteen laboratory construction projects. Suggestions for characterizing coordination effort based on project type and delivery system are provided and recommendations are made for future research on the time and cost metrics of the coordination process. }, author_keywords={Design coordination, Variability, Work Flow }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Saurin2001, author={Saurin, Tarcisio Abreu and Formoso, Carlos Torres and Guimaraes, Lia Buarque de Macedo }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Integrating Safety Into Production Planning and Control Process: An Exploratory Study}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/157}, affiliation={Ph.D. candidate at LOPP/UFRGS (Products and Processes Optimization Laboratory / Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul). E-mail: saurin@vortex.ufrgs.br. Praça Argentina, nº 9 - sala 402. CEP 90040-020. Porto Alegre - RS, Brasil. ; Ph.D., Associate Professor at NORIE/UFRGS (Building Innovation Research Group). E-mail: formoso@vortex.ufrgs.br ; Ph.D., C.P.E. Associate Professor at LOPP/UFRGS. E-mail: liabmg@ppgep.ufrgs.br }, abstract={This paper presents partial results of an ongoing research project that aims to develop a safety planning and control (SPC) model, integrated to the production planning and control process. A pilot study aiming to evaluate the feasibility of the integration was carried out at the site of a small sized building company. Safety planning was introduced in an existing planning and control cycle. One of the main conclusions of the study is that some lean production concepts and methods that have been used for production planning and control (such as the Last Planner Method, for instance) can be easily extended to safety planning. For instance, a performance indicator named PSW (Percentage of Safe Work Packages), similar to PPC, is potentially effective for safety control. Based on the overall analysis of the case study, some guidelines for further improvements in the SPC model are proposed. }, author_keywords={Safety, production management, planning and control, macroergonomics. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Seymour2001, author={Seymour, David and Rooke, John }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={The Role of Ethnography in the Implementation of Lean Construction}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/158}, affiliation={Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Civil Eng., U. of Birmingham, U.K. d.e.seymour@bham.ac.uk. ; Research Associate, respectively, Dept. of Civil Eng., U. of Birmingham, U.K. }, abstract={Lean Construction is a radically new way of thinking about the construction process. To engineer its adoption means questioning assumptions, ways of thinking and practices - the culture - into which people have long been schooled. Therefore, efforts have been made to understand the existing culture; to establish the reasoning and rationales it embraces in order to change it. Part of this project has resulted in the presumption that there are mental models, mindsets or general dispositions to think and act in a certain way. While these constructs may be a useful first step in putting oneself ‘in the other’s shoes’ in order better to develop and negotiate change strategies, there are a number of dangers associated with them. There are two in particular. The first is the ‘cultural dope’ fallacy where another’s action is seen simply as the acting out of a version of that other’s culture which has been constructed by the analyst. The second is the presumption that it is possible for an analyst to provide such constructs without being subject to the fact, which has become a commonplace in management studies, that everybody (including the analyst) has a point of view; a mental model of her own. With reference to case material, the paper explores some ways in which ethnographic research methods can help to avoid these dangers and at the same time contribute to the management of change. }, author_keywords={Lean construction, ethnography, culture, research methodology, action research, change management }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Tommelein2001, author={Tommelein, Iris D. and Beeche, Greg }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={De-Coupling Cladding Installation From Other High-Rise Building Trades: A Case Study}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/159}, affiliation={Professor, Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt. Program, Dept. of Civil and Envir. Engrg., 215-A McLaughlin Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-1712, 510/643-8678, FAX: 510/643-8919, tommelein@ce.berkeley.edu, http://www.ce.berkeley.edu/~tommelein ; Director of Market Development, Beeche Systems Corp., Scotia-Glenville Industrial Park Building 202, Scotia, NY 12302, 518/381-6000, FAX: 518/381-4613, gbeeche@beeche.com, http://www.beeche.com/ }, abstract={This paper presents a system to handle and install exterior cladding on high-rise buildings. The system is innovative in that the cladding panels are installed from the building’s exterior without the use of a tower crane or man lift, and without on-floor staging. Accordingly, all work pertaining to the panels effectively is de-coupled from most other construction work going on concurrently on site. This results in flexibility and work that can progress at a fast, continuous pace, thereby also allowing for project schedule acceleration. The paper includes illustrations of the use of this innovative cladding installation system in the process of constructing the 70-story Trump World Tower in New York City. The system was developed recognizing that tight handoffs between trades may lead to detrimental performance. De-coupling of interacting trades is one step towards implementing a lean construction system. }, author_keywords={Parade of trades, interacting sub-cycles, de-coupling, exterior cladding installation, curtain wall construction, high-rise building construction, Trump World Tower, lean construction. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Tsao2001, author={Tsao, Cynthia C.Y. and Tommelein, Iris D. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Integrated Product-Process Development by a Light Fixture Manufacturer}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/160}, affiliation={Ph.D. Student, Civil and Envir. Engrg. Department, 215 McLaughlin Hall, Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-1712, USA, Mobile: 510/593-4884, FAX: 510/643-8919, ccytsao@alum.calberkeley.org ; Professor, Civil and Envir. Engrg. Department, 215-A McLaughlin Hall, Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-1712, USA, 510/643-8678, FAX: 510/643-8919, tommelein@ce.berkeley.edu, www.ce.berkeley.edu/~tommelein }, abstract={This paper describes a brand of indirect light fixtures, developed by a process-oriented manufacturer whose product development efforts have supported supply-chain performance. To help explain the relationship between product and process design, the paper outlines the lightfixture supply chain with several key stakeholders and handoffs. The manufacturer’s choices are then viewed from the perspective of meeting requirements and creating value for customers, namely owners, designers, and electrical contractors. Electrical contractors have found this manufacturer’s short lead times, delivery reliability, and installation ease to be valuable in planning and executing work. Owners who select this manufacturer’s products appreciate the low total-installed-cost and the lead times that contribute to shortening the overall project schedule. The manufacturer’s strategic materials selection, outsourcing decisions, and modular design, supporting a commitment to a 10-day lead time for standard products, provide good examples of work-structuring contributions towards the implementation of a lean project delivery system. }, author_keywords={lean construction, work structuring, product design, process design, operations design, methods analysis, indirect lighting, light fixture, electrical contractor, supply chain management, value, waste }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Tzortzopoulos2001, author={Tzortzopoulos, Patricia and Formoso, Carlos Torres and Betts, Martin }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Planning the Product Development Process in Construction: An Exploratory Case Study}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/161}, affiliation={M.Sc., Ph.D. student, School of Construction and Property Management, University of Salford, Bridgewater Building, Salford, Greater Manchester, M7 9NU, UK, FAX + 44 (0)161 2955011, e-mail: p.tzortzopoulos@pgr.salford.ac.uk ; Ph.D., Associate Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Osvaldo Aranha, 99, 3o andar, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90.035-190 Brasil. FAX:+ 55 51 316 4054, e-mail: formoso@vortex.ufrgs.br ; BSc, Ph.D., MCIOB, Head of School of Construction and Property Management, University of Salford, Bridgewater Building, Salford, Greater Manchester, M7 9NU, UK, FAX + 44 (0)161 2955011, e-mail: m.betts@salford.ac.uk }, abstract={The emergence of a new production paradigm has been widely discussed in the literature. Concepts developed in operations management research related to the new paradigm should also be valid and useful in construction. Unfortunately, these have been weakly applied in the product development processes in most companies, despite the importance of this process. The product development process (PDP) comprises the set of activities needed for the conception and design of a product, from the identification of a market opportunity to its delivery to the final client. Its main objective is to translate customer requirements and needs into a design solution. Successful PDP requires the effective control of the work developed by the teams involved and of the exchange of information between them. This paper aims to contribute to the integration of the existing theories related to product development and operations management, looking for linkages between them. It also presents the results of an exploratory case study that aimed to propose a model for planning and controlling the PDP, based on the adaptation of tools originally developed for physical production planning and control. This involved the implementation of a previously defined process model for managing the PDP, as a basis for long term planning. The main benefits and difficulties faced during the implementation of this planning method are discussed. }, author_keywords={Product development, process planning, operations management, design management. }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Vrijhoef2001, author={Vrijhoef, Ruben and Koskela, Lauri and Howell, Greg }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Understanding Construction Supply Chains: An Alternative Interpretation}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/162}, affiliation={Research Scientist, TNO Building and Construction Research, Department of Strategic Studies, Quality Assurance and Building Regulations, P.O.Box 49, NL-2600 AA Delft, The Netherlands, Phone +31 15 2695228, Fax +31 15 2695335, E-mail r.vrijhoef@bouw.tno.nl ; Senior Researcher, VTT Building Technology, Concurrent Engineering, P.O.Box 1801, FIN-02044 VTT, Finland, Phone +358 9 4564556, Fax +358 9 4566251, E-mail lauri.koskela@vtt.fi ; Director, Lean Construction Institute, P.O.Box 1003, Ketchum, Id, 83340, U.S.A., Phone +1 208 7269989, Fax +1 707 2481369, E-mail ghowell@leanconstruction.org }, abstract={Much research work has assessed that construction is ineffective and many problems can be observed. Analysis of these problems has shown that a major part of them are supply chain problems, originating at the interfaces of different parties or functions. There have been several kinds of initiatives aiming at improvement and renewal of construction supply chains, but only few have a track record of consequent and significant successes. Here construction supply chains are approached from an alternative theoretical viewpoint, namely that of the language/action perspective. In this approach, organizations are seen as networks of commitments. Two avenues have been pinpointed for practical application of this approach. First, the process of requesting, creating and monitoring commitments can be facilitated by heuristic models and computer systems, when suitably designed. Secondly, people can learn to communicate for action by developing new sensibility towards the ways their language acts participate in networks of human commitments, and improving their skills in understanding requests, and making commitments. By closer study, existing empirical observations support the idea that a large share of construction supply chain problems are caused by poor articulation and activation of commitments. But would this new approach also facilitate the implementation of a new supply chain management that has proved to be so difficult in practice? In this regard, two initiatives are reviewed. The Dutch initiative to create a framework for communication in large civil engineering projects is first presented and initial experiences from its implementation are discussed. Then, Last Planner implementations are analyzed. By drawing on the concept of small wins, it is concluded that these implementations act as a stimulus for wider changes towards an environment of firm commitments and high trust. The paper ends with a review on research tasks ahead. }, author_keywords={Construction supply chain, language/action perspective, small wins }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Whelton2001, author={Whelton, Michael and Ballard, Glenn and Tommelein, Iris }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Application of Design Rationale Systems to Project Definition – Establishing a Research Project}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/163}, affiliation={Ph.D. Student, Construction Engineering & Management Program, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, USA, mwhelton@uclink4.berkeley.edu ; Adjunct Associate Professor, Construction Engineering & Management Program, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, USA, ballard@ce.berkeley.edu ; Professor, Civil and Envir. Engrg. Department, 215-A McLaughlin Hall, Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-1712, 510/643-8678, FAX 510/643-8919, tommelein@ce.berkeley.edu }, abstract={Better design decision management is possible through the use of lean production planning and control techniques, group decision-making, and knowledge management tools. Central to the success of these tools is the capture and timely management of the design rationale underlying design decisions. This research views design as a collaborative decision-making process, and highlights the need for supporting group technologies. The literature is summarized regarding relevant design processes, decision models and group support systems available to designers. Design viewed as an explicit decision making process is discussed and background research on group decision-making is documented. This paper also explores the benefits of employing design rationale systems to promote quality design assignments, value generation, and team learning among project stakeholders. A need for understanding the interfaces of design process, group decision-making and information technology support is established. A research model is proposed to integrate design rationale management with design process planning and control for the project definition phase of project delivery. }, author_keywords={Collaboration, design rationale systems, group decision-making, knowledge management, lean design, organizational learning, project definition, }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, } @CONFERENCE{Yang2001, author={Yang, Tung and Ioannou, Photios G. }, editor={Ballard, Glenn and Chua, David }, title={Resource-Driven Scheduling for Repetitive Projects: A Pull-System Approach}, journal={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, booktitle={9th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction}, year={2001}, url={http://www.iglc.net/papers/details/164}, affiliation={Ph.D. Candidate, Civil and Envir. Engrg. Department, 1340 G. G. Brown, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, 734/7640528, ityang@engin.umich.edu ; Professor, Civil and Envir. Engrg. Department, 2354 G. G. Brown, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, 734/7643369, photios@umich.edu }, abstract={Having resources work continuously has long been the goal for scheduling repetitive projects. Waste (unforced idleness) in repetitive projects is observed when labor and equipment (resources) are waiting, being idle, because the preceding resources have not finished their jobs. In this paper we investigate the existence and influence of unforced idleness. In contrast to the push-system approach used by traditional critical path method (CPM), we propose a pull-system scheduling system to eliminate unforced idleness in repetitive projects. We use the term pull in applying repetitive scheduling ideas to lean construction in a new way. The scheduling system is able to model general repetitive projects by relaxing impractical assumptions posted by previous models and provides a computational algorithm to generate planned and as-built graphical schedules. We also define the necessary elements of the scheduling system and describe the concept underlying a computational algorithm. A computer program, Repetitive Project Planner (RP2), is incorporated and a real-life pipeline project is implemented to demonstrate the application. The pull-system scheduling system can serve as a practical tool toward continuous work flow. }, author_keywords={Repetitive scheduling, resource-driven scheduling, pull-system, just in time, continuous work flow }, address={Singapore, Singapore }, issn={ }, publisher={ }, language={English}, document_type={Conference Paper}, source={IGLC}, }