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

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

BIM-FM Implementation: An Exploratory Invesigation

Considerable amount of research has been developed that investigate the benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for design and construction. However, as suggested in the UK Government Strategy, the relevant gains and difficulties related to the adoption of BIM in the operational stages of the project life cycle are considerably less explored in the available literature. In this respect, a gap of knowledge exists in relation to the value that design and construction information modelling can generate after construction is finished. Moreover, the difficulties involved in shifting from traditional to BIM-Based FM processes are not known. In this article a discussion is proposed that address some of the issues involved in the adoption of BIM from an owners’ perspective. In addition, enablers and barriers to BIM implementation in FM are identified. The discussion is drawn from the results of a case study carried out during the design and construction stage of a major re-development project in Manchester, UK. Data was gathered through interviews with designers, contractors and client’s representatives, real-time observation of BIM development and use and documental analysis. Results indicate a lack of awareness related to the benefits that BIM can offer to FM processes. It also suggests that guidance is necessary for the establishment of the necessary steps for the implementation of BIM for FM purposes such as the identification of key deliverables (capabilities), the establishment of the level of integration, the definition of the maturity level and the standard BIM protocols