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Proceedings / IGLC 4

IGLC 4 · Birmingham, UK · 1996

Method of Intervention on the Flow of Materials in Building Processes

  1. M.Sc., PhD. student at University of Salford. A.SANTOS@SURVEYING.SALFORD.AC.UK
  2. M.Sc., PhD., NORIE, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. FORMOSO@VORTEX.UFRGS.BR
  3. Bsc. (Hons), MA, PhD, The Research Centre for the Built and Human
    Environment, University of Salford. J.HINKS@SURVEYING.SALFORD.AC.UK

Abstract

This paper discusses some aspects of a method of intervention in building processes that proved to be an effective mechanism for the learning of new production concepts. The intervention technique is designed to act as a starting point in quality and productivity improvement programs, which companies adopt and operate alone and in a competitive manner. It is oriented to producing rapid results, based on low-cost improvements, made
without the need for changes in technology. The method involves an intensive data collection, the group analysis and formulation of a plan of improvements related with the operations strategy. The entire process, including the application of the improvements and a second diagnosis, required around six months for the nineteen small and medium-sized building companies involved. The principal outcomes appear to be a motivation within the companies to continue the process of improvement which the intervention started coupled with changes in the site production culture.

SANTOS, , M.Sc., PhD. student at University of Salford
A.SANTOS@SURVEYING.SALFORD.AC.UK
FORMOSO, Carlos T.,
HINKS, John,

Keywords

  • TQM
  • productivity
  • lean production
  • operations management
  • building process
  • process change
  • learning culture

Cite this paper

APA 7th edition

Santos, A., Formoso, C. T., & Hinks, J. (1996). Method of Intervention on the Flow of Materials in Building Processes. In 4th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction.

Shortened reference for IGLC papers

Santos, A., Formoso, C. T., & Hinks, J. (1996). Method of Intervention on the Flow of Materials in Building Processes. IGLC4.