Naslov
Reducing Variability to Improve Performance as a Lean Construction Principle

Autori
Thomas, Randolph H. ; Horman, Michael J. ; De Souza, Ubiraci Lemes Espinelli ; Završki, Ivica

Izvornik
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management (0733-9364) 128 (2002), 8; 144-154

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Construction projects; Variability; Personnel management; Project management

Sažetak
Variability is common on construction projects and must be managed effectively. New management thinking, like that of lean production, has suggested that better labor and cost performance can be achieved by reducing output variability. Efforts to utilize lean thinking in construction, so far, have generated limited evidence to support this claim. This paper investigates the relationship between variability and project performance to test the notion that reducing output variability will result in improved labor performance. Using productivity data from concrete formwork activities on multiple projects, various mearsures of output variability are tested against construction performance. It is shown that variability is inevitable and that there is little correlation between output variability and project performance, but that variability in labor productivity is closely correlated to project performance. It is concluded that lean improvement initiatives should be redirected to adaptable workforce management capabilities to reduce variability in labor productivity instead of output in order to improve project performance.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Građevinarstvo

POVEZANOST RADA