A lean way of design and production for healthcare construction projects

As a consequence of the lack of solid conceptual foundation, the project management concepts and techniques usually applied within the construction sector are fragmented and have proved to be incapable of solving the complex problems of design management. As a result, healthcare providers have become frustrated with the outcomes such as cost and schedule overruns, accidents, less than expected quality and inadequate functionality. However, an investigation of successful healthcare projects reveals that new approaches have been developed to tackle such problems. This study uses recent data based on six construction projects. The idea is demonstrate how successful projects are dealing with the integration between design, production, and operations, through an appropriate approach to the management of production systems. The paper aims to assist the different parties of the AEC industry to better understand how practices applied into design phase could support the efficiency in the management of production systems

A review of the impact of an integrated health and social care system on people with dementia

As England’s demographic changes with an increasing ageing population so does the burden of long-term diseases such as dementia. Our current care system is no longer appropriate to deal with these changes. An integrated system, which can provide streamline care for both the health and social care needs is required. It is widely acknowledged that an integrated system can bring a number of advantages, which can be fundamental to its success. For that reason the Government have introduced a number of policies and related documents over the past two decades on developing an integrated health and social care service. However, a strong evidence-base demonstrating the positive impacts of an integrated care system is lacking, particularly in the case for older people with dementia.Aim: To evaluate the impact of integrated health and social care policy and its related documents on people with dementia.Objectives: To gain an understanding of integrated care policies, their related documents and their recorded impact on people with dementia.Method: Systematic literature review. Findings: There is little, if any evidence on the impact of integrated care on people with dementia

How Analysis and Synthesis Have Been Understood in Design

In the disciplines related to the design of products and services, such as New Product Development and Design Science, there is a lack of a commonly accepted theoretical and methodical basis. This papers starts with the proposition that the ancient method of analysis and synthesis, developed originally by Greek geometers, is the basis of models that have been used to classify and describe the ill structured design problem. In this paper, we examine the possibility of improving our understanding of the design process and therefore lean design management by bringing to light a discussion about the concepts of analysis and synthesis and how these have been interpreted through time. Also, how this concept has been used within engineering design methods. To do so, we investigate how analysis and synthesis have been understood in the literature, indicating similarities and differences between ancient and current understandings

Lean Knowledge Management: The Problem of Value

Lean knowledge management is defined here as: getting the right information, in the right form, to the right people at the right time. This definition highlights series of practical problems for knowledge management in the built environment which, in turn, have implications for lean theory. In the terms of TFV theory, the problems that arise from getting information to the right people at the right time are essentially flow (F) issues, but those that are concerned with defining the right information and the form in which it is to be delivered are more concerned with value (V). Here, we focus primarily on the problem of defining right information. A distinction is made between sociological 'values' and economic 'value', showing how both relate to production theory. In the course of benefits capture and realisation, both values and value are negotiated between project participants and other stakeholders. It is argued that these processes are best conceived as conversations and that this is implied in the basic formulation of V theory. The notion of objectivity and its significance for these values/value negotiations is examined. The problem of benefits realisation is considered and a set of hypotheses are generated regarding the nature of an effective benefits realization management proces

Facilitators and Barriers to the Integration of Healthcare Service and Building Design

Service design research recognises the importance of infrastructure design in the achievement of streamlined service delivery. Although research about service design and building design is abundant, very little is known about the integration of these processes. Therefore, this research aimed at identifying facilitators and barriers to the integration of service and building design processes. To this end, the initial results from a historical investigation of the redevelopment of a hospital in Salford, UK were used to identify facilitators and barriers to the integration of service and building design. Data was collected through interviews, document analysis and a workshop. Initial results present internal and external factors related to the design process generating barriers to integration of service and building design

Structure for the classification of disassembly applied to BIM models

To consider disassembly from project inception is becoming an essential part of the design process. For it enables the reuse and recycling of materials at the end of the life cycle of buildings. Also, it reduces the need for raw materials for the production of new products, while increasing a building's flexibility concerning reconfiguration. Above all, it contributes to the sustainable development of the sector. However, not much is known about designing for future disassembly. In general, the design phase of construction projects tends to focus efforts on constructability, and the value of disassembly only becomes apparent when it is time to decommission a building. The construction sector is unfamiliar with the disassembly approach, and with the extended information management process, linking design and decommissioning for over 60 years. With regards to this latter aspect, advances in Building Information Modelling (BIM) research offers opportunities for further developing the field of design for disassembly (DfD) of construction projects. Therefore, this research aims to explore the structuring of DfD information enabled by BIM to support integrated design decision-making in construction. This applied research project is inherently exploratory and based on design science research. DfD principles were identified through a literature review that informed the development of an integrated DfD information model for measuring disassembly levels of design solutions. This research presents both a contribution to practice by developing an information model structure that can be used for supporting DfD and integrated design. It also contributes to DfD knowledge by proposing a disassembly classification system

Structure for the classification of disassembly applied to BIM models

To consider disassembly from project inception is becoming an essential part of the design process. For it enables the reuse and recycling of materials at the end of the life cycle of buildings. Also, it reduces the need for raw materials for the production of new products, while increasing a building's flexibility concerning reconfiguration. Above all, it contributes to the sustainable development of the sector. However, not much is known about designing for future disassembly. In general, the design phase of construction projects tends to focus efforts on constructability, and the value of disassembly only becomes apparent when it is time to decommission a building. The construction sector is unfamiliar with the disassembly approach, and with the extended information management process, linking design and decommissioning for over 60 years. With regards to this latter aspect, advances in Building Information Modelling (BIM) research offers opportunities for further developing the field of design for disassembly (DfD) of construction projects. Therefore, this research aims to explore the structuring of DfD information enabled by BIM to support integrated design decision-making in construction. This applied research project is inherently exploratory and based on design science research. DfD principles were identified through a literature review that informed the development of an integrated DfD information model for measuring disassembly levels of design solutions. This research presents both a contribution to practice by developing an information model structure that can be used for supporting DfD and integrated design. It also contributes to DfD knowledge by proposing a disassembly classification system

The method of analysis in production management

The method of analysis was developed by ancient Greek geometers to identify and solve problems related to geometry. From that period, well known scientists such as Newton and Descartes have applied the method. More recently, Polya has presented the method of analysis as a heuristic template to solve mathematical and other problems. Despite its continual epistemological dilution, the method has also been used to explain the cognitive process of designing. In this paper it is claimed that the method of analysis can also explain production management. It seems that the method of analysis has been used across different levels of management in production, i.e. from a holistic/strategic perspective through to detailed levels. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to discuss whether the method of analysis provides a partial theoretical foundation for production planning. The research approach is literature review with an emphasis on the method of analysis and synthesis. The conclusion is that the method of analysis and synthesis adds to the theoretical explanation of both design and production

A lean way of design and production for healthcare construction projects

As a consequence of the lack of solid conceptual foundation, the project management concepts and techniques usually applied within the construction sector are fragmented and have proved to be incapable of solving the complex problems of design management. As a result, healthcare providers have become frustrated with the outcomes such as cost and schedule overruns, accidents, less than expected quality and inadequate functionality. However, an investigation of successful healthcare projects reveals that new approaches have been developed to tackle such problems. This study uses recent data based on six construction projects. The idea is demonstrate how successful projects are dealing with the integration between design, production, and operations, through an appropriate approach to the management of production systems. The paper aims to assist the different parties of the AEC industry to better understand how practices applied into design phase could support the efficiency in the management of production systems

Evidence-based design'evolving fast'

This article examines the background and history to, and advantages and disadvantages of, evidence-based design in healthcare