5 research outputs found
Last Planner System: Experiences From Pilot Implementation in the Middle East
The work described in this paper is devoted to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing Last Planner to improve construction planning practice in Saudi construction industry. Firstly, the primary results of implementing Last Planner System (LPS) in two construction projects in Saudi Arabia are presented. Action research strategy was undertaken with different data collection methods employed included interviews, observation and survey questionnaire. Secondly, benefits gained in terms of improving construction management practice are presented, the critical success factors for LPS implementation are discussed, and potential barriers for implementing LPS revealed from the studies are presented. The results demonstrated numerous benefits were gained in terms of improving construction planning and site management. The fact that the structural work in one of the sites finished two weeks ahead of schedule is a clear evident of this improvement. However, there are some potential barriers reported which hindered the achievement of full potentials of LPS. Finally, a comparison between the outcome of this study and some previous studies on Last Planner in other countries is briefly carried out
Improving construction management practice with the Last Planner System: a case study
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing the Last Planner
System (LPS) to improve construction planning practice and enhance site management in the Saudi
construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach – LPS was implemented in two large state-owned construction
projects through an action research process. The data collection methods included interviews,
observations and a survey questionnaire.
Findings – The findings identify benefits including improved construction planning, enhanced site
management and better communication and coordination between the parties involved. The paper
describes the critical success factors for LPS implementation. The paper also describes barriers to the
realisation the full potential of LPS, including the involvement of many subcontractors and people’s
commitment and attitude to time.
Research limitations/implications – The work reported in this paper is limited to two case
studies.
Practical implications – The study has thus contributed to improving management practice and
may aid the establishment of a basis for the development of further research in the area of lean
construction. The research outcomes can inform practitioners of the opportunity to implement
alternative management methods in construction, and give a good account of the opportunities and
challenges. Beside the direct benefits to managerial practice, the study also contributed to practice by
offering practical recommendation that can assist in the achievement of the full potential of lean and
LPS in Saudi Arabia.
Originality/value – This is the first comprehensive academic study in the Saudi construction sector
concerning the application of lean construction principles and techniques. The study has thus
contributed to practice and developed a basis for the development of further research in the area of
lean construction. It may help construction organisations to establish a new strategy and policies to
improve their managerial practice. The outcomes of the case studies can be used as a reference for organisations seeking to improve their managerial practice.
Keywords Action research, Construction planning, Last Planner System implementatio
Last planner system : experiences from pilot implementation in the middle east
The work described in this paper is devoted to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing Last Planner to improve construction planning practice in Saudi construction industry. Firstly, the primary results of implementing Last Planner System (LPS) in two construction projects in Saudi Arabia are presented. Action research strategy was undertaken with different data collection methods employed included interviews, observation and survey questionnaire. Secondly, benefits gained in terms of improving construction management practice are presented, the critical success factors for LPS implementation are discussed, and potential barriers for implementing LPS revealed from the studies are presented. The results demonstrated numerous benefits were gained in terms of improving construction planning and site management. The fact that the structural work in one of the sites finished two weeks ahead of schedule is a clear evident of this improvement. However, there are some potential barriers reported which hindered the achievement of full potentials of LPS. Finally, a comparison between the outcome of this study and some previous studies on Last Planner in other countries is briefly carried out
Need for Alternative Research Approaches in Construction Management: Case of Delay Studies
Over the years, there have been many studies of delay in construction, and this type of study continues to be popular in construction management research. A synthesis and critical evaluation of delay studies in developing countries reveals that poor project management is cited as one of the main causes of delay. However, despite significant consensus, most published studies fall short of providing clear recommendations for the improvement of project management practice. Moreover, the majority of recommendations are general and not devoted to solving the difficulties associated with particular causes of delay. This paper aims to demonstrate that the root cause of this state of affairs is that typical research into delay tends to be descriptive and explanatory, making it inadequate for solving persistent managerial problems in construction. It is contended that many problems in construction could be mitigated via alternative research approaches, i.e. action and constructive research. Such prescriptive research methods can assist in the development and implementation of innovative tools tackling managerial problems of construction, including that of delay. In so doing, those methods will better connect research and practice, and thus strengthen the relevance of academic construction management
Applying manufacturing flow theory to construction management
Both lean and Theory of Constraints (TOC) applications are now commonly reporting success in the application of flow concepts to construction management, namely, lean construction and Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM). Both approaches are concerned with improved flow through synchronization and reduced waste, but the means by which this is achieved are distinctly different. This paper reports on the conceptual similarities and distinctions of CCPM and lean construction based on secondary sources together with separate case and action research studies previously published by the author