Dubois, A and Gadde, L E (2002) The construction industry as a loosely coupled system: Implications for productivity and innovation. Construction Management and Economics, 20(7), pp. 621-631. ISSN 01446193
Abstract
Previous research suggests that the construction industry is characterized by (1) particular complexity factors owing to industry specific uncertainties and interdependences, and (2) inefficiency of operations. The aim of this study was to analyse the operations and behaviour of firms as a means of dealing with complexity. The observations made indicate that the industry as a whole is featured as a loosely coupled system. Taking this as a starting point, the couplings among activities, resources and actors were analysed in different dimensions. The pattern of couplings builds on two interdependent layers: tight couplings in individual projects and loose couplings based on collective adaptations in the permanent network. It is concluded that the pattern of couplings seems to favour short term productivity while hampering innovation and learning.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction; innovation; loosely coupled system; productivity |
| Index terms: | construction industry, dimension, interdependence, productivity, adaptation, coupling, complexity |
| Subjects: | organizational analysis, industry analysis, systems engineering, management, health monitoring assessment and metrics, user focus |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Organizational Design, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 CT |
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