scholarly journals Innovation in the New Zealand Construction Industry – Diffusion of the Last Planner System

Author(s):  
Richard J. Hunt ◽  
Vicente A. Gonzalez
2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahimeh Zaeri ◽  
James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi ◽  
M. Reza Hosseini ◽  
Jeff Cox

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 907 (1) ◽  
pp. 012024
Author(s):  
M Fauzan ◽  
R Y Sunindijo

Abstract The construction industry is plagued by poor project performance and the adoption of lean construction is seen as a way to address this issue. Therefore, this research aims to assess the implementation of lean construction and its relationships with project performance in the Australian construction industry. Just in time, last planner system, Six Sigma, and 5S management are the four lean construction tools investigated in the research. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey from construction practitioners in Sydney, Australia. Results show that the implementation of these four tools is adequate, although some lean activities need to be implemented at a higher level. Lean construction also has strong correlations with many project performance indicators, demonstrating its value to the construction industry that is in a dire need of improvement. Finally, this research also recommends specific areas for improvements.


2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saad Sarhan ◽  
Andrew Fox

Performance measurement has received substantial attention from researchers and the construction industry over the past two decades. This study sought to assess UK practitioners’ awareness of the importance of the use of appropriate performance measures and its role in supporting the application of Lean Construction (LC) concepts. To enable the study to achieve its objectives, a review of a range of measurements developed to evaluate project performance including those devoted to support LC efforts was conducted. Consequently a questionnaire survey was developed and sent to 198 professionals in the UK construction industry as well as a small sample of academics with an interest in LC. Results indicated that although practitioners recognise the importance of the selection of non-financial performance measures, it has not been properly and widely implemented. The study identified the most common techniques used by UK construction organisations for performance measurement, and ranked a number of non-financial key performance indicators as significant. Some professed to have embraced the Last Planner System methodology as a means for performance measurement and organisational learning, while further questioning suggested otherwise. It was also suggested that substance thinking amongst professionals could be a significant hidden barrier that militates against the successful implementation of LC.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 389-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bassam A. Tayeh ◽  
Khalid Al Hallaq ◽  
Abdulla H. Al Faqawi ◽  
Wesam S. Alaloul ◽  
Soo Y. Kim

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1424-1436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bassam A. Tayeh ◽  
Khalid Al Hallaq ◽  
Hafiz Zahoor ◽  
Abdulla H. Al Faqawi

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to prioritize the vital tools/techniques for the effective implementation of the last planner system (LPS) in the cross-cultural setting of a developing country, i.e. Gaza Strip. Besides, the potential benefits of implementing LPS are prioritized. Design/methodology/approach The significant techniques and likely benefits of LPS implementations were identified through comprehensive literature, followed by their verification through a pilot study. The quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire survey from 89 companies, operating in the Gaza Strip construction industry. The relative important index was calculated for prioritizing the significant tools/techniques (16) which support the effective LPS implementation, and highlighting the potential benefits (10) achieved through LPS implementation. Findings The results showed that the “use of visual devices to spread information in the construction site,” “attendance of key actors” and “look ahead plan” are the most important tools/techniques supporting LPS implementation. The top three potential benefits of implementing LPS include: “allows a better understanding of the program control,” “maximizes the co-operation and confidence among team members” and “allows the manager to better visualize the work program.” To prevent any waste in project time and to ensure the material supply and continuity of works, the study recommends advance supply and storage of demand materials, and early availability of the shop-drawings for acceptance by the superintendent. Practical implications The study’s findings are expected to guide the key construction stakeholders to prioritize their energies toward effective LPS implementation in the Gaza Strip. Originality/value Though this study pertains to Palestine, its methodology can be generalized in other countries and regions, having a similar work environment, after making necessary cultural adjustments.


Author(s):  
Jolanta Tamošaitienė ◽  
Tomas Starta

Globally, the efficiency of the construction sector has declined around the world over the past 30 years. The main principles aimed at the improvement of the situation are based on lean construction. The concept of lean construction can be effectively used in the strategic process to improve waste reduction as well as cost and time efficiency, which results in positive outcomes such as environmental protection, economy and time-saving. Lean construction practices help to achieve significant benefits. However, many organisations still find it difficult to successfully and correctly integrate lean concepts. The research literature indicates that the construction industry has encountered poor implementation and integration of these concepts. Lean construction has eight main techniques for increasing productivity in implementing customer requirements in the construction industry. Having in mind that lean is the key requirement for gaining construction productivity, this paper provides the basic fundamental knowledge of lean construction. Also, it shows how to get the most effective results by applying the Last Planner System technique. The described case study demonstrates the integration of the Last Planner System technique into the project.


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