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Emmitt, S, Pasquire, C and Mertia, B (2012) Is good enough "making do"?: An investigation of inappropriate processing in a small design and build company. Construction Innovation, 12(03), 369-83.
- Type: Journal Article
- Keywords: lean culture; lean production; lean thinking; process improvement; task completion; United Kingdom; work sequence
- ISBN/ISSN: 1471-4175
- URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/14714171211244622
- Abstract:
Purpose - The purpose of this study is to address behaviour that often leads to inappropriate processing in a small design and build contracting organisation that employs direct labour. The objective was to reduce process waste and improve the value delivered to clients. This formed part of a larger knowledge transfer project (KTP) to improve performance on construction sites through the application of lean thinking. Design/methodology/approach - Action research was used to identify and bring about change within the contracting organisation. The method was applied to live construction projects in the social housing sector in the greater London area. The intervention was to raise the awareness of site personnel to the importance of finishing tasks through informal discussions and visual management techniques. Findings - Raised awareness of the importance of finishing work to allow other trades to follow on unimpeded, leading to significant improvements in the quality and flow of work. This helped to contribute to significant savings in time and cost. Research limitations/implications - Findings relate to a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with directly employed labour, therefore the findings have limited applicability. Further applied research is required to determine the generalisation of the approach/findings to organisations that subcontract their labour. Practical implications - This applied research is practical and cost effective to apply to live projects managed by small and medium sized contracting organisations. Originality/value - Provides a unique insight into the practical application of lean thinking tools and process improvement.
Hughes, D, Williams, T and Ren, Z (2012) Differing perspectives on collaboration in construction. Construction Innovation, 12(03), 355-68.
Jin, X-H, Zhang, G and Yang, R J (2012) Factor analysis of partners' commitment to risk management in public-private partnership projects. Construction Innovation, 12(03), 297-316.
Moselhi, O and Khan, Z (2012) Significance ranking of parameters impacting construction labour productivity. Construction Innovation, 12(03), 272-96.
Park, J, Park, J, Kim, J and Kim, J (2012) Building information modelling based energy performance assessment system: An assessment of the Energy Performance Index in Korea. Construction Innovation, 12(03), 335-54.
Renukappa, S, Egbu, C, Akintoye, A and Goulding, J (2012) A critical reflection on sustainability within the UK industrial sectors. Construction Innovation, 12(03), 317-34.
Shen, G Q and Yu, A T W (2012) Value management: recent developments and way forward. Construction Innovation, 12(03), 264-71.