Applying lean principles to higher education via a collaborative delivery approach

Comiskey, D; Fleming, AJ; McLernon, T; Harty, J

Abstract

Despite a momentum shift in professional practice towards BIM ways of working and a collaborative approach to project delivery, collaborative working practices amongst built environment students are still far from common practice within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the UK and Ireland. Not only is this at odds with industry requirements, in terms of becoming familiar with
collaborative working practices, but likely to lead to inefficiencies within institutions. Such an approach goes against the grain of lean thinking, a process itself closely aligned with the ethos of BIM. This paper investigates the link between collaborative educational delivery and the potential consequential efficiency savings to be achieved from taking such an approach. To do this, a Kaizen
analysis process has been used to analyse a traditional built environment programme delivery model. The aim of the paper is two-fold: to analyse if a move towards a more collaborative approach to educational delivery could, as well as promoting the ethos of collaborative working which is a key BIM philosophy, assist in achieving lean advantages in terms of developing a more efficient programme delivery structure at Level 4 (Year 1) and making better use of resources. To assist with the research,
analysis of the educational delivery model employed at Copenhagen School of Design and Technology was undertaken to assess if good practice could be identified and implemented. The research was also informed by observant participation at Ulster University and by analysis of its internal policy and associated information. The paper argues that taking a collaborative approach benefits the
organisation in terms of a more efficient delivery process, and benefits the students by providing an educational experience better aligned with the collaborative working environment they will experience in professional life.

Citation

Comiskey, D., Fleming, A., McLernon, T., & Harty, J. (2015, November). Applying lean principles to higher education via a collaborative delivery approach. Presented at CITA BIM Gathering Conference, Dublin, Ireland

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: CITA BIM Gathering Conference
• Conference Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Start Date: Nov 12, 2015
• End Date: Nov 13, 2015
• Publication Date: Nov 26, 2015
• Deposit Date: Mar 28, 2019
• Book Title: CitA BIM Gathering Conference 2015
• ISBN: 9780957395703
• Related Public URLs: https://www.cita.ie/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference