Tezel, B A (2011) Visual management: an exploration of the concept and its implementation in construction. PhD thesis, University of Salford, UK.
Abstract
Visual Management (VM) is the managerial strategy of employing visual (sensory) tools and aids in close-range communication at a workplace to increase the self-management ability of the workforce. It is an important element of the Toyota Production System (TPS), contributing to the reduction of waste and variability in the production system. The Visual Management strategy increases transparency and pervasive information availability in a work setting. Along with increased information availability, transparency and better information flow, neat, orderly and transparent work settings can help improve the image of the construction industry. The objective of this thesis is to better understand the implementation of Visual Management in construction. The objective was explored through the research questions in three stages. The first stage relates to the theoretical constitution of the subject through a synthesis of the literature review, addressing the research question of what Visual Management is. The second stage of the research was conducted to investigate the state-of-the-art implementation of Visual Management in construction, employing the case study research methodology at nine Brazilian construction companies. In order to understand the level of Visual Management on conventional construction sites, the final stage of the research was conducted in Finland, using the case study research methodology and a survey. The functions of Visual Management, the role of Visual Management in other managerial activities, the implementation methods and characteristics of the Visual Management strategy in construction, the conditions of Visual Management on conventional construction sites are some of the findings of the research. The future Visual Management research and implementation opportunities in construction are also discussed.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Brazil; case study; communication; construction companies; construction site; Finland; waste; workforce |
| Index terms: | visual management, case study, Finland, research methodology, construction industry, implementation, variability, transparency, production system, Brazil, literature review, strategy, construction site, construction company, survey, information flow, exploration, state of the art |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, research design and methodology, data analysis and analytics, work location, professional development, management, industry analysis, statistical analysis, information systems, research dissemination and communication, organization, contractual arrangements, environmental resource management, Geography, manufacturing engineering |
| Topics: | Site Management, Digital Applications, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Sustainability, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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