scholarly journals Implementation of the LPS using an excel spreadsheet

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahimeh Zaeri ◽  
James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi ◽  
M. Reza Hosseini ◽  
Jeff Cox
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Excel Spreadsheet ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Last Planner System ◽  
Last Planner

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation challenges of one of lean construction’s recent tools, the last planner system (LPS), by exploring issues in the New Zealand construction sector to identify potential areas for improvement. To achieve this aim, the study formulated two objectives: to present the challenges in LPS use and to explore solutions by using an Excel spreadsheet for facilitating LPS applications. Design/methodology/approach The study drew primarily upon a case study approach. A fieldwork study and document analysis of a New Zealand construction project were conducted with an extensive literature review undertaken on the LPS concept. Findings The findings revealed that although an automated spreadsheet could be a simple and inexpensive option for using the LPS, data collection, storage and transfer into the spreadsheet could significantly influence the reliability of the LPS outcomes. Most data utilisation challenges were found to occur around the three data sets included in the weekly work plan (WWP). The study presented several automation solutions which had been applied to overcome data utilisation challenges. Originality/value Among the first of its kind in the construction industry, this study, with its first-hand account of an organisation which uses the lean paradigm, provides an in-depth insight into LPS tool implementation. The study extends the current body of knowledge by unearthing the challenges of LPS integration into construction activities and presenting efforts undertaken in a construction case project to overcome relevant issues. This adds value by enhancing the reliability of the LPS and, consequently, the effectiveness of its implementation in practical terms.

Integrating critical chain project management with last planner system for linear scheduling of modular construction

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarek Salama ◽  
Ahmad Salah ◽  
Osama Moselhi
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Control Procedure ◽  
Modular Construction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Linear Scheduling ◽  
Last Planner System ◽  
Critical Chain Project Management ◽  
Last Planner ◽  
And Control ◽  
Critical Chain

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for project tracking and control of integrated offsite and onsite activities in modular construction considering practical characteristics associated with this type of construction. Design/methodology/approach The design embraces building information modelling and integrates last planner system (LPS), linear scheduling method (LSM) and critical chain project management (CCPM) to develop tracking and control procedures for modular construction projects. The developed method accounts for constraints of resources continuity and uncertainties associated with activity duration. Features of proposed method are illustrated in a case example for tracking and control of modular projects. Findings Comparison between developed schedule and Monte Carlo simulation showed that baseline duration generated from simulation exceeds that produced by developed method by 12% and 10% for schedules with 50% and 90% confidence level, respectively. These percentages decrease based on interventions of members of project team in the LPS sessions. The case example results indicate that project is delayed 5% and experienced cost overrun of 2.5%. Originality/value Developed method integrated LPS, LSM and CCPM while using metrics for reliability assessment of linear schedules, namely, critical percent plan complete (PPCcr) and buffer index (BI). PPCcr and BI measure percentage of plan completion for critical activities and buffer consumption, respectively. The developed method provides a systematic procedure for forecasting look-ahead schedules using forecasting correction factor Δt and a newly developed tracking and control procedure that uses PPCcr and BI. Quantitative cost analysis is also provided to forecast and monitor project costs to prove the robustness of proposed framework.

Prospect of lean practices towards construction supply chain management trends

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuoc Luong Le ◽  
Nguyen Thi Duc Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Architectural Engineering ◽  
Planning And Control ◽  
Last Planner System ◽  
Last Planner ◽  
And Control

Purpose To deal with the present situation and recover after the COVID-19 pandemic, construction firms are required to recognise the trends in construction supply chain management (CSCM) for the upcoming years and determine the appropriate practices towards the trends for the improvement of construction activities in terms of strategy, tactic and operations. This paper aims to recognise key trends in CSCM and uses these trends as strategic criteria for the evaluation and prioritisation of lean construction (LC) tools at different project phases including design and architectural engineering, planning and control, on-site construction and safety management. Design/methodology/approach The integrated analytic hierarchy process–Delphi method is used to collect and analyse the data from construction experts to evaluate the importance levels of the CSCM trends and recommend the appropriate tools for LC practices to improve project performances. Findings Seven key CSCM trends are identified: lean supply chain management (SCM), supply chain (SC) integration, SC standardisation, SC problem-solving, SC information-sharing, SC flexibility and SC sustainability. Based on these trends, a set of prioritised lean tools are suggested for LC practices, in which “virtual design construction” (VDC) and “last planner system” are considered as the central tools. These two LC practices can be integrated with other effective tools to support the strategic, tactical and operational targets in construction supply chain (CSC) projects. Research limitations/implications This study gives the managerial implications by developing an application framework of LC practices for CSC projects. The framework promotes “VDC” as a strategic tool for the phase of design and architectural engineering and considers “last planner system” as the central LC practice for the phase of project planning and control. The framework also focuses on the improvement of efficiency in construction operations by taking into account the aspects of on-site collaboration, problem-solving, improvement and safety. Originality/value Up to date, there is still a lack of researches in classifying and prioritising the significant LC tools for each project phase to deal with CSC issues in both breadth and depth. Thus, this study is performed to provide construction managers with the awareness of CSCM trends on which they can focus to have strategic criteria for selecting LC practices to improve CSC performances.

The Last-Planner-System’s impact on project culture

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunnar Jürgen Lühr ◽  
Marian Bosch-Rekveldt ◽  
Mladen Radujković
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
Mutual Understanding ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Last Planner System ◽  
Project Culture ◽  
Last Planner

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the Last-Planner-System’s impact on project cultures in terms of partnering. Design/methodology/approach A case study was performed using multiple data gathering approaches. The project cultures of three projects not applying the Last-Planner-System were compared with three projects that apply the Last-Planner-System. In total, 30 participants were involved in the study. Semi-structured interviews were held and analysed by applying qualitative content analysis. Also, the “organizational culture assessment instrument”, which belongs to the “competing values framework”, was used by means of an online survey. Findings The Last-Planner-System leads to increased levels of mutual understanding and control about the tasks and issues of the other parties. This detailed overview leads towards a more distinguished evaluation of the trustworthiness of individuals. This does not necessarily lead to a partnering project culture. Originality/value The contribution to research is that higher levels of transparency and mutual understanding do not necessarily lead to a high level of trust. Rather, transparency could be seen as a controlling mechanism that leads to better-founded estimations about the trustworthiness of others in the project.

Cost comparison of seismic damage resisting systems for modules in multi-storey buildings

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 330-346
Author(s):  
Danielle Ashcroft ◽  
Temitope Egbelakin ◽  
John Jing ◽  
Eziaku Onyeizu Rasheed
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Modular Design ◽  
Base Isolation ◽  
Seismic Damage ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Cost Comparison ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Friction Damper ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the economic viability of a new and innovative seismic damage resisting system (SDRS) device by conducting a feasibility study. The SDRS device has been patented and specifically designed to be implemented in multi-storey modular buildings in seismic regions such as New Zealand. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study approach, two sample modular multi-storey buildings were purposively selected for the study. A cost-comparison analysis was conducted using the SDRS device in the two buildings, by carrying out a measure and price exercise of the construction elements. Findings The research results showed that the SDRS device is an economically viable option for mitigating seismic damage in modular multi-storey buildings in New Zealand. There is an average of 7.34 per cent of cost reduction when SDRS is used in modular multi-storey buildings when compared to other seismic resistance systems such as base isolation, moment resisting frames and friction damper systems. Practical implications The economic viability of the SDRS presents an opportunity for its usage in modular design and construction of multi-storey buildings. SDRS system is also applicable to other building typologies and construction methods. The use of SDRS also aligns with the current national objective to provide more affordable and resilient housing within a limited time; the opportunity is considered significant in New Zealand, including for export and manufacturing. Originality/value The confirmation of the SDRS device’s economic feasibility is the original contribution of the authors.

Stochastic cost frontier analysis – a sensitivity analysis on cost measures

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanh Ngo ◽  
David Tripe
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Cost Efficiency ◽  
Stochastic Frontier Analysis ◽  
Stochastic Frontier ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Frontier Analysis ◽  
Cost Frontier

Purpose This paper aims to examine alternative methods for recording and treating costs in studies of bank efficiency. Design/methodology/approach This study used stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) models with core costs and total costs to estimate the cost efficiency of banks in two different economies, Vietnam where the banking system is under-developed (and thus is dominated by traditional banking activities) and New Zealand where the banking system is well-developed (and thus non-traditional banking activities play an important role). Findings The authors found that models using total cost tend to underestimate the banks’ cost efficiency. This underestimation relates to the extent of modern activities in a banking system: it is larger in an advanced banking system (i.e. New Zealand) and smaller in a less-developed banking system (i.e. Vietnam). Research limitations/implications Research is limited to two countries, and it would be useful to apply the same technique to other data sets. Practical implications The paper suggests a new approach to cost SFA studies in banking. Originality/value The paper provides a much more searching analysis of costs in banking than has generally been seen in previous research.

SCM competencies in construction: issues and challenges in New Zealand

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 522-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Fei Ying ◽  
John Tookey ◽  
Johannes Roberti
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Central Business District ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the nature and extent of current practice of construction supply chain management (CSCM) in the New Zealand (NZ) construction industry; consequently, to examine the challenges and issues that the industry is confronted in implementing an efficient CSCM. The construction industry, which contributes around 5 per cent to gross domestic product, is a vitally important industry in NZ. With over 50,000 businesses, the construction industry is the third largest industry by business count in NZ’s economy (Statistics New Zealand, 2009). Although it is widely accepted that productivity can be improved by adoption of effective supply chain management (SCM), no studies have investigated this at the tactical level in the NZ context. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach is used for probing SCM practice on a NZ$75-million commercial project located in Auckland Central Business District. The supply chain network of the principal ground works and superstructure construction stages was studied. Findings – The key findings of the case study suggest that the flow of materials remains the main focus of CSCM practice. It was found that essential skills training for CSCM was extremely limited and largely ill-defined in terms of its nature and content. Finally, it was identified that as the NZ construction industry moves towards a significantly more collaborative framework, the efficacy of CSCM operations is expected to substantially improve. However, this last point did not negate the requirement to expand and improve skills training in CSCM. Originality/value – The results of the case study present that our best industry proponents are inadequate in their knowledge of CSCM as a result of education and training. This is a key issue that needs to be addressed through education at all levels. Similarly, they have virtually nil capability with logistics and the efficiency of transportation as a result of standard contractual costing procedures. Until the SCM/logistics knowledge gap is recognised and addressed, the improvements in logistics and, therefore, SCM will not occur in the NZ construction industry. That said, the findings related to partnering and collaborative thinking in NZ are encouraging. NZ has these elements largely in place already and a willingness to engage, particularly in alliances, in the future. It remains to be seen whether there will be sufficient energy expended in NZ by the leading players to create effective partnering and alliancing through improving SCM and logistics competencies.

Survey of Motivations, Benefits, and Implementation Challenges of Last Planner System Users

2013 ◽  
Vol 139 (4) ◽  
pp. 354-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose L. Fernandez-Solis ◽  
Vishal Porwal ◽  
Sarel Lavy ◽  
Ali Shafaat ◽  
Zofia K. Rybkowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Last Planner System ◽  
Last Planner

Libraries of Babel: exploring library language and its suitability for the community

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 612-627
Author(s):  
Michael Alexander Fauchelle
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Information Access ◽  
The Body ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Community Recommendations ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
Language Context

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the different aspects of language that are present in the signage, handouts and websites of public libraries. It discusses the extent to which this language reflects the varying demographics of library clients. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports on a qualitative study, which took a document analysis approach and utilised an inductive-coding technique to analyse data collected from four lower North Island libraries in New Zealand. Findings Five language aspects were identified from the collected data: monolingual, bilingual and multilingual language; language context; welcoming and prohibitive language; language consistency; and jargon. The nature and incidence of these aspects were evaluated for each of the four libraries. In some cases, the libraries achieve an accurate reflection of client demographics through their language. However, each library could make some changes to their use of language to better accommodate their distinct communities. Practical implications This paper suggests that modifying library language to better reflect client demographics will contribute to an atmosphere of inclusion, welcome and acceptance. Such an atmosphere will promote information access for all members of the community. Recommendations for change are made, as well as suggestions for future research. Originality/value This paper contributes to the body of knowledge on communication and language in libraries, particularly in a New Zealand context where there is a paucity of research on this topic. This paper benefits libraries and clients by identifying patterns, contrasts and potential improvements.

Performance management, budgeting, and legitimacy‐based change in educational organisations

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Fowler
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Primary Education ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
And Performance ◽  
And Control

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to document the types of and any changes in the budgeting and performance management practices of New Zealand primary educational organisations and explain why they occurred using an institutional theory framework. In doing so, it will provide an understanding of past budgeting and performance measurement and reporting practice, as well as consider the policy implications for the contemporary public‐provided primary education system.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a historical archival‐based case study approach.FindingsThe historical evidence suggests that from 1844 until 1859 budgeting and performance management practices in educational organisations changed as the provision and control of education moved from not‐for‐profit community‐based organisations to become a predominantly public function. The budgeting, inspection and performance management practices and changes observed in the primary education providers were directly related to their need to obtain legitimacy and procure resources.Practical implicationsThe detailed information regarding historical budgeting and performance management practices provides rich background material for researchers as well as suggesting that split responsibility and control between the community and government for education creates a tension between the two controlling bodies.Originality/valueThis paper is the first study of internal accounting and performance reporting practices in a mid‐nineteenth century New Zealand education context.

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