scholarly journals Lean and Flexible Project Delivery

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (19) ◽  
pp. 9287
Author(s):  
Hajnalka Vaagen ◽  
Glenn Ballard
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Operational System ◽  
Lean Principles ◽  
Cost Constraints

The average cost and time overrun of frequent changes in ETO and construction projects is high, and with steadily increasing cost constraints, productivity increase is critical for future competitiveness. Successful lean implementations in project-based production systems have led to great reductions in waste and time to market. However, companies also often struggle with effective customization of lean principles to their changing contexts. This paper extends the scope of the operational system of lean project delivery, initially focused on a project-based production system with the Last Planner System (LPS®) at core, to enhance master planning with options to flexibly handle changes. The research follows the guidelines of Design Science Research, combining the theory and practice of lean project management with results for project flexibility from quantitative models. The main contribution is the proposed operational system, along with the process to evaluate its intended utility, i.e., to increase the ability to quickly and cost effectively handle late changes. This enables the quantitative assessment of the value of planned flexibility in lean projects, before the decision is taken, and illustrates this value for capturing opportunities from customer-driven changes. Insights into the value of design research for the management of project uncertainty are emphasized.

A BIM-lean framework for digitalisation of premanufacturing phases in offsite construction

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beda Barkokebas ◽  
Salam Khalife ◽  
Mohamed Al-Hussein ◽  
Farook Hamzeh
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Value Stream Mapping ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Modular Construction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Lean Principles ◽  
Upper Management

PurposeThe research introduces means for improving premanufacturing processes (design, procurement and bidding) by leveraging digitalisation in offsite construction. Specifically, this paper proposes a framework that provides measures for the planning and implementation of digitalisation in offsite construction by positioning building information modelling (BIM) as the key technology and lean principles to add value and reduce waste.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows the design science research approach to develop the proposed framework and attain the aforementioned objective. The developed framework includes data collection, value-stream mapping and simulation to assess current processes, develop and propose improvements. An empirical implementation is employed to demonstrate the applicability of both the framework and the measures used to evaluate the outcomes.FindingsThe application of the proposed three-stage framework resulted in 9.45%–23.33%-time reduction per year for the various improvement categories in premanufacturing phases. Employing simulation and applying the developed measures provide incentive for upper management to adopt the suggested improvements. Additionally, while the empirical implementation was tested on a modular construction company, the methods used indicate that the framework, with its generic guidelines, could be applied and customized to any offsite company.Originality/valueWhile several studies propose that BIM-Lean integration offers an advantage in the context of production systems, this paper focuses on the initial design and planning phases, which are mostly overlooked in the literature. Moreover, the present study provides quantitative evidence of the benefits of data integration through BIM technology.

scholarly journals A Hybrid Learning Approach for Subjects on Software Development of Automation Systems, Combining PBL, Gamification and Virtual Reality

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dênis Leite ◽  
Higor Santos ◽  
Ariane Rodrigues ◽  
Cléviton Monteiro ◽  
Alexandre Maciel
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Software Development ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Learning Approach ◽  
Automation Systems ◽  
Hybrid Teaching

Despite the practical classes in laboratories and simulations, the traditional automation engineering teaching and learning process remains with little adherence to the reality professional. In this context, this research proposes a hybrid teaching and learning approach for subjects on software development of automation systems based on problems with virtual reality features and gamification strategies. Its main objective is to enhance the alignment between theory and practice, playfully and engagingly mirrored in the industry's need. The proposed approach was developed based on Design Science Research and evaluated in seven classes of an undergraduate subject from the perspective of students and industrial professionals. The results evidence the evolution of the approach over the time and the ability to promote the connection between theory and professional practice.

scholarly journals A semantic-based framework for automated rule checking in healthcare construction projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-214
Author(s):  
Joao Soliman-Junior ◽  
Carlos T. Formoso ◽  
Patricia Tzortzopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Science Research ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Rule Checking ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Degree

Healthcare projects are known for having a high degree of complexity. Furthermore, the design of healthcare facilities is highly constrained by regulations containing a wide range of requirements. Using BIM for automated rule checking has been pointed out as an opportunity to improve requirements management in these projects. However, most existing research is focused on hard-coded approaches or on limited sets of requirements. The aim of this investigation is to propose a semantic-based framework for automated rule checking in the context of healthcare design. An empirical study was conducted in the redevelopment of a university hospital, using Design Science Research as a methodological approach. Results indicate that the nature of regulations and the subjectivity of requirements have a major impact on the possibility of their translation into logical rules, which is needed to enable automated checking. The main theoretical contribution is a taxonomy for automated rule checking and information transformation.

Design science research with focus groups – a pragmatic meta-model

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Telmo Antonio Henriques ◽  
Henrique O’Neill
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Meta Model ◽  
Is Implementation ◽  
Practical Guidelines

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to present a pragmatic and systematic approach to conduct and document Design Science Research (DSR) activities with Focus Groups (FGs), exploring its continuous usage and providing traceability between problem, requirements, solutions and artefacts.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to conduct the research and produce the meta-model for DSR with FG, a DSR approach was adopted using a conceptual model for Action Design Research already available. The artefact is the result from a specific literature review to define requirements, a careful design and a refinement stage where it was widely used and tested in real IS implementation projects.FindingsRigorous and committed stakeholder engagement is a critical success factor in complex projects. The main outcome of this research is a specific meta-model for DSR with FG that delivers new insights and practical guidelines for academics and professionals conducting and documenting real-world research and development initiatives deep-rooted in stakeholders' participation.Research limitations/implicationsThe meta-model has been endorsed as a practical and useful artefact by the stakeholders participating in the IS projects where it was adopted. However, to fully demonstrate its capabilities and to become more robust, the model has to be further used and tested in other application situations and environments.Originality/valueThe usage of FGs in DSR has already been proposed as an effective way, either to study artefacts, to propose improvements in its design or to acknowledge the utility of those artefacts in field use. The paper provides a sound contribution to this line of research by presenting a meta-model that integrates process and data, as well as a set of practical templates and forms that may be used by researchers and practitioners to conduct their projects.

scholarly journals Design Science Research: Evaluation in the Lens of Big Data Analytics

Systems ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Elragal ◽  
Moutaz Haddara
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Research Evaluation ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Big Data Analytics ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Evaluation Phase ◽  
New Type

Given the different types of artifacts and their various evaluation methods, one of the main challenges faced by researchers in design science research (DSR) is choosing suitable and efficient methods during the artifact evaluation phase. With the emergence of big data analytics, data scientists conducting DSR are also challenged with identifying suitable evaluation mechanisms for their data products. Hence, this conceptual research paper is set out to address the following questions. Does big data analytics impact how evaluation in DSR is conducted? If so, does it lead to a new type of evaluation or a new genre of DSR? We conclude by arguing that big data analytics should influence how evaluation is conducted, but it does not lead to the creation of a new genre of design research.

scholarly journals Towards Participatory Action Design Research: Adapting Action Research and Design Science Research Methods for Urban Informatics

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Bilandzic ◽  
John Venable
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Action Design Research ◽  
Urban Informatics ◽  
Research And Design

This paper proposes a new research method, Participatory Action Design Research (PADR), for studies in the Urban Informatics (UI) domain. PADR supports UI research in developing new technological means (e.g. using mobile and ubiquitous computing) to resolve contemporary issues or support everyday life in urban environments. Situated in a socio-technical context, UI requires a close dialogue between social and design-oriented fields of research as well as their methods. PADR combines Action Research and Design Science Research, both of which are used in Information Systems, another field with a strong socio-technical emphasis, and further adapts them to the cross-disciplinary needs and research context of UI.

Rolling out lean production systems: a knowledge-based perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffaele Secchi ◽  
Arnaldo Camuffo
Keyword(s):  
Design Research ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Lean Production ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Roll Out ◽  
Lean Production Systems

Purpose – Adopting a knowledge-based perspective, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the roll-out process of lean production systems and explores the dimensions that might enhance or hinder its performance. It develops a framework to understand and design lean roll-out processes, identifying the research dimensions/design variables to classify and interpret such processes. Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory multiple case study analyses seven lean roll-out processes in multinational companies’ plants. An original data set, developed on the basis of a purposely design research protocol, was built through two rounds of plant visits and structured interviews. The cross-case analysis compares and contrasts the lean roll-out processes according to the research dimensions constituting the framework. Findings – The effectiveness and the efficiency of the lean roll-out processes: first, negatively co-vary with the degree of lean knowledge codification; second, positively co-vary with the degree of autonomy of the plant; third, positively co-vary with the degree of contextual ambidexterity. Moreover, lean roll-out processes characterized by principles-based knowledge replication strategy, plant autonomy and contextual ambidexterity are comparatively more effective and efficient. Research limitations/implications – This is an exploratory qualitative study that develops propositions potentially testable in larger scale, more analytical research. Practical implications – This study provides a tentative roadmap to successfully approach the roll-out of lean production systems in complex organizations. Originality/value – This study challenges the current theory and practice which implicitly assumes that lean roll-outs take place linearly, cascading a set of predefined lean operations practices. Instead, the authors show that a less codified, more decentralized and contextually ambidextrous approach might be more effective.

scholarly journals Deploying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing in Construction

Buildings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Talebi ◽  
Lauri Koskela ◽  
Patricia Tzortzopoulos ◽  
Michail Kagioglou ◽  
Alex Krulikowski
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Symbolic Language ◽  
Geometric Dimensioning And Tolerancing ◽  
Construction Design ◽  
Dimensioning And Tolerancing ◽  
Industry Standards ◽  
Aec Industry

No standardised approach appears to exist in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry for the communication of tolerance information on drawings. As a result of this shortcoming, defects associated with dimensional and geometric variability occur with potentially severe consequences. In contrast, in mechanical engineering, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is a symbolic language widely used to communicate both the perfect geometry and the tolerances of components and assemblies. This paper prescribes the application of GD&T in construction with the goal of developing a common language called geometric dimensioning and tolerancing in construction (GD&TIC) to facilitate the communication of tolerance information throughout design and construction. design science research is the adopted methodological approach. Evidence was collated from direct observations in two construction projects and two group interviews. A focus group meeting was conducted to evaluate whether the developed solution (GD&TIC) fulfilled its aim. The contribution of this paper to designers, to organisations involved in developing AEC industry standards, and to the scholarly community is twofold: (1) It is an attempt to develop a standardised approach (GD&TIC) for the communication of tolerance information in AEC, and (2) it identifies discrepancies between GD&TIC rules and some of the commonly used American and British standards on tolerances.

scholarly journals Researching navigation of project complexity using action design research

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mogens Frank Mikkelsen ◽  
John Venable ◽  
Kirsi Aaltonen
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Formative Evaluation ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Action Design Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Complexity

PurposeProject complexity is becoming increasingly challenging for project managers. Much valuable research has been done on the concept of project complexity. The research reported in this paper aims to provide a new means (the “Complexity Navigation Window”) and guiding principles for the navigation of project complexity in practice.Design/methodology/approachThis paper applied action design research (a methodology for design science research) to design and evaluate the Complexity Navigation Window (CNW), which will serve as a representation of project complexity as a key component of the user interface for a decision support system (DSS) for managing project complexity.FindingsFormative evaluations of the CNW by 16 project management practitioners indicated that the artefact is relevant, comprehensible and heading in a promising direction to guide decision-making. The evaluation also highlighted project managers' difficulty in using the (conceptual) representation by itself to assess a project's current situation accurately, which in turn limits their ability to understand a project's current complexity and decide an appropriate course of strategy. A conceptual framework by itself is insufficient. This finding motivates further research to develop and evaluate a DSS that would partially automate the assessment process (by surveying stakeholders and automatically assessing and representing project complexity according to the CNW), which should aid in increasing the accuracy (and timeliness) of project complexity assessments and contribute to appropriate strategy formulation and timely revision.Practical implicationsThe formative evaluation of the CNW indicates relevance for practitioners and the further features of the DSS may still yield even higher perceived utility from the full artefact.Originality/valueThe paper provides improved understanding of practitioners' perceptions of project complexity and ability to assess it for a given project. The paper describes the design of a new visualisation for navigating and managing complexity. The paper further presents four strategies for managing project complexity. Finally, the paper also provides a methodological discussion on the potential of ADR in advancing project management research.

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