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Design management in building construction: from theory to practice

Koskela, LJ; Huovila, P; Leinonen, J

Authors

LJ Koskela

P Huovila

J Leinonen



Abstract

The design process can be conceptualized in at least three different ways: 1) as a process of transforming inputs into outputs, 2) as a flow of information through time and space, and 3) as a process for generating value for customers. Case studies and research findings to date indicate that design management in construction is deficient from all three of these points of view. In this paper, a series of experiments aiming at creating clarity and introducing systematic management principles from all three perspectives is described. The results of these experiments suggest that the use of relatively simple, albeit theory-driven, tools can achieve major improvements in the process of construction design. It is argued that only when based on suitable conceptualizations, and informed by empirical data, can effective methods be devised to ameliorate construction design and engineering.

Citation

Koskela, L., Huovila, P., & Leinonen, J. (2002). Design management in building construction: from theory to practice. Journal of Construction Research, 3(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1609945102000035

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Mar 1, 2002
Deposit Date Oct 4, 2007
Journal Journal of Construction Research
Print ISSN 1609-9451
Publisher World Scientific Publishing
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 3
Issue 1
Pages 1-16
DOI https://doi.org/10.1142/S1609945102000035
Keywords Economics, finance, management, engineering, building design, design management, concurrent engineering, lean construction
Publisher URL http://www.worldscinet.com/cgi-bin/details.cgi?id=jsname:jcr&type=all