Mariz, Renato Nunes (2024) Method for applying the work design in construction based on lean thinking. PhD thesis, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil.
Abstract
The construction sector is one of the most significant contributors to the global economy. However, its productivity has remained virtually stagnant in recent years compared to other industries. Just as work design in manufacturing has significantly increased productivity, in construction, it is believed that its association with lean thinking can further amplify these outcomes. Work design involves the systematic structuring of methods, relationships, and work content to enhance productivity and worker satisfaction. Existing studies on the application of lean concepts in construction at the work design level partially adopt isolated lean practices (e.g., standardized work, work cells, work structuring, process design, and production design). However, none comprehensively and integratively encompass all the elements of work design as applied in manufacturing. In construction, this concept presents an opportunity to advance and deepen lean practices within the sector, aiming to maximize and sustain improvements in efficiency and job satisfaction. Thus, this research aims to propose a method for applying work design in construction, grounded in lean thinking. The study employed the design science research methodology. Based on the identification of the key elements of work design and the main lean practices related to work design in the construction context found in the literature, the initial version of the proposed method (Artifact V1) was developed. Subsequently, Case Studies A and B were conducted to refine this artifact, incorporating improvements derived from these cases. From these iterations, the final version of the method (Artifact V2) was developed. For evaluating the artifact, Case Study C and a focus group were conducted. Case C demonstrated the impact of the proposed method on improving the productivity of a specific construction activity. The focus group was conducted to evaluate the constructs of utility, effectiveness, ease of use, and generalizability. Positive feedback from participants indicated that the developed method offers high potential for success when applied. In conclusion, this research provides an original conceptual contribution by adapting lean work design to the construction environment. It presents a prescriptive method aimed at practical application by academics and professionals to enhance productivity in construction activities.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Picchi, Flavio Augusto |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | lean thinking; production management; production engineering |
| Index terms: | effectiveness, efficiency, case study, construction activity, productivity, job satisfaction, methodology, construction sector, focus group, design science research, production management, artifact, process design, worker satisfaction |
| Subjects: | construction operations, research methods, project delivery, data collection methods, design methods, sociology, industry analysis, performance management, management, design practice |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Project Management, Site Management, Design Practice, Human Resources, Business Strategy, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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