Low, S P and Gao, S (2011) The application of the just-in-time philosophy in the Chinese construction industry. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 16(1), pp. 91-111. ISSN 1823-6499
Abstract
The Just-in-Time (JIT) philosophy originated from the Toyota Production System (TPS) and has been used in the manufacturing industry for many decades. It has helped to increase the productivity of the industry and has also increased the quality of its products. In recent years, numerous studies in developed countries have endeavoured to introduce JIT in the construction industry to reap similar benefits. This study focused on applying JIT to the Chinese construction industry with the goal of improving its performance and thus its competitiveness. This paper discusses the current state of the Chinese construction industry; presents the potential impediments to implementing JIT; and proposes a framework for JIT implementation in the areas of design, procurement, construction and inspection. The results of this study suggest that government and educational institutions should play a key role in spearheading the application of JIT in the construction industry in China.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Chinese construction industry; just-in-time; productivity; profitability; quality |
| Index terms: | China, implementation, profitability, philosophy, productivity, developed country, competitiveness, production system, inspection, just-in-time, manufacturing industry, construction industry |
| Subjects: | manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, contractual arrangements, management, development economics, market analysis, lean logistics, philosophical studies, Geography, economic analysis, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Procurement, Engineering Principles, International Construction, Supply Chain Management, Research Practice, Quality Management, Business Strategy, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here