Uhanovita A.C, N; K.A.T.O, R and Parameswaran, A (2025) Poka-yoke to minimise variations: A framework for building projects. Construction Innovation, 25(3), pp. 972-993. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: Variations due to errors and mistakes have caused cost overruns in building projects. Therefore, it is undeniable that the gravity of such variations will be a critical factor in deciding the success of any building project. In addition, the design stage of a building project is considered the most suitable stage to identify and mitigate the causes of potential variations. However, there are no proper mechanisms to minimise the frequency or gravity of variations. Many researchers experienced the promising essence of Poka-Yoke, a mistake-proofing method aimed at increasing efficiency by early detection and eradication of the causes of potential errors. However, less attention has been paid so far to implement Poka-Yoke principles to minimise variations in the building project. Therefore, this study aims to develop a framework to minimise variations in building projects through the integration of the Poka-Yoke principles. Design/methodology/approach: An interpretivism stance is adopted, and a qualitative research approach is used. The data collection technique adopted is semi-structured interviews with ten experts, and the data is analysed using code-based content analysis through NVivo12. Findings: Research findings revealed 23 causes of variations, categorised under client-originated, consultant-originated, contractor-originated and other variations. The identified causes were then mapped with the Poka-Yoke principles to develop the framework. The research findings could prove useful to researchers, academics, government agencies and construction professionals in developing nations that have demographic/cultural and socioeconomic characteristics such as Sri Lanka. Originality/value: The findings benefitted the Sri Lankan construction sector by minimising the causes of variations. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study will be the first of its kind in the Sri Lankan construction industry, leading to a better understanding of the "Poka-Yoke" principle within the building construction context.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building project; causes; construction; poka-yoke; principle; variations |
| Index terms: | interview, interpretivism, government agency, building construction, content analysis, developing nation, variation, integration, methodology, qualitative research, design stage, construction sector, efficiency, cost overrun, critical factor, construction professional, Sri Lanka, construction industry |
| Subjects: | theoretical framing, research methods, Geography, development economics, building construction, professional practice, performance management, contractual condition, professional development, organizational analysis, administrative law, industry analysis, data collection methods, risk assessment, research design and methodology, data analysis and analytics, financial and cost management |
| Topics: | Geographical Context, Risk Management, Quality Management, Legal Issues, Information Management, Research Practice, Cost Management, Construction Technology, International Construction, Design Practice, Organizational Design, Contract Administration |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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