Forgues, Daniel (2008) Using boundary objects to generate better value in the construction industry: Interpreting cases from an activity theory perspective. PhD thesis, University of Salford, UK.
Abstract
Value generation in construction is about meeting client requirements. Problems in handling client requirements within fragmented practices in sequential design and contractual arrangements are widely recognized. Some authors suggest reconfiguring project coalitions around integrated teams to overcome this problem. Little is said, however, about the impact of adopting this new form of work in traditional design practice, processes and tools, and about possible socio-cognitive barriers that may hinder the collaborative work of design professionals, clients and users. It is argued that integrated teams is a new form of work that requires revisiting clients' and experts' roles and relationships - rethinking existing design practices. The aim of the research is to improve the ability of integrated teams to maximize value generation. It builds on activity theory to investigate the dynamics of integrated teams in construction. This theory explores how members of an activity system articulate and achieve the activity purpose. Recent research in activity theory suggests the opportunity to use boundary objects for breaking down socio-cognitive barriers in activities involving a group of people coming from different practices - project coalitions - and having different tools, language, rules and knowledge. Boundary objects are objects that are shared across different problem-solving contexts, objects that work to establish a shared context that "sits in the middle." It is contended that boundary objects can be used to cross boundaries between these fragmented practices. The objective of the research is to develop and test the use of boundary objects such as requirement management tools in the context of integrated teams and organisations in order to improve value generation. The research demonstrates the value of using boundary objects for increasing the efficiency of project coalition in delivering better value. They were successfully used first to break knowledge barriers between users and design professionals for the design of a sustainable construction, second to improve practices for managing a complex construction programme.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | client requirements, dynamics, construction industry, design practice, efficiency, activity theory, boundaries, integrated team, sustainable construction, programme, boundary object, value generation |
| Subjects: | design process, sustainable construction, theoretical framing, collaborative management, property law, professional development, performance management, management, systems engineering, industry analysis, project controls, financial and cost management |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Sustainability, Quality Management, Legal Issues, Research Practice, Information Management, Cost Management, Design Practice, Time Control, Organizational Design |
| 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