Development of a tool for diagnosing production management efficiency on construction sites

Henrich, G

Abstract

Many studies presented in the literature pinpoint that the construction industry suffers
from a lack of efficiency if compared with other industries; e.g. manufacturing. This
bad construction industry performance can be attributed to many reasons, and these are
the focus of discussion in a literature review and are also evidenced in some case studies
carried out during this research. However, it was identified that construction does not
have a specific tool capable of recognizing the causes for this low performance, what
surfaced is the following main research question: how can production management
systems be easily evaluated and diagnosed in construction companies? Thus, the
objective of this thesis was to create a theory-based diagnostic tool, relying on the lean
production principles of flows management, to measure construction industry efficiency
at the production level. This lean diagnostic tool is able to identify and justify waste
occurrences in the construction process as well as to pinpoint opportunities for
improvement, through mitigation or elimination of those wastes.
To fully achieve the thesis' objective the research methodology adopted was
constructive research, that aims to provide solutions to explicit problems, in this case
pursuing: problem solving, innovation, models, and improved processes. Therefore, this
thesis focuses on producing theory-based innovative solutions to relevant practical
problems, added to the generation of new learning and knowledge, in the process of
constructing the solution. The constructive research cycle was composed of the
following phases: awareness of the problem, suggestions, development, evaluation and
conclusion. The final artefact is the Lean Diagnostic Tool (LEADIT), an easy to use
tool that provides solid theory-based output diagnosis of the performance of
construction processes at the production level. The elements that compose the LEADIT
structure are a 'Cover Sheet', 'Structure Interview Form', 'Leanness Form', 'Nonvalue-
adding Activities Analyses', and a 'Check-list to Avoid Making-do'. To facilitate
final adjustments and an evaluation of LEADIT's performance with end-users, four case
studies were carried out on construction sites.
Concluding this thesis, a critical analysis is made to identify if the LEADIT
complied with all the objectives proposed. The artefact's innovative aspect, contribution
to knowledge, and practice relevance are also discussed.

Citation

Henrich, G. Development of a tool for diagnosing production management efficiency on construction sites. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2010