Nicolini, D; Holti, R and Smalley, M (2001) Integrating project activities: the theory and practice of managing the supply chain through clusters. Construction Management and Economics, 19(1), pp. 37-47. ISSN 01446193
Abstract
Building on the results of two demonstration projects carried out in the UK, this paper develops the notion of 'work clusters' as an organizational approach to supply chain integration and the application of concurrent engineering principles. The organizational design principles are presented together with the process used to set up clusters at project level, and the impact of the clustering arrangement on the re-engineering of the design and construction process is discussed. It is argued that the clustering arrangement successfully supported efforts to improve value, eliminate inefficiencies, and reduce costs in the project. Evidence concerning the difficulties, barriers and costs associated with the implementation of the clustering approach is also addressed. The paper concludes with some reflections on the use of clusters and on issues for future research.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; cluster housing; United Kingdom; clusters; process redesign; supply chain management; teamwork |
| Index terms: | evidence, housing, United Kingdom, design and construction, reflection, concurrent engineering, supply chain integration, redesign, implementation, construction industry, clustering, organizational design, teamwork |
| Subjects: | business, construction type, evaluation and assessment methods, design methods, supply chain integration, contractual arrangements, data science, engineering methods, management, professional development, Geography, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Supply Chain Management, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Procurement, Construction Technology |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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