Thomson, D S; Austin, S A; Root, D S; Thorpe, A and Hammond, J W (2006) A problem-solving approach to value-adding decision making in construction design. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 13(1), pp. 43-61. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - To illustrate the use of a Value Adding Toolbox by construction industry designers when addressing customer value expectations using problem solving. Design/methodology/approach - Focused literature review establishes the need for construction industry design solutions to deliver customer value and a Value Adding Toolbox is proposed in response. Case studies validate Toolbox use and one illustrative example is provided. Interviews with prospective Toolbox users identify barriers to adoption and inform a recommended approach to organisational adoption. Findings - The Toolbox is found to be effective at helping construction designers to solve technical design problems with regard to customer expectations of value. However, designers are found to be initially reluctant to adopt the new tool. Organisation learning is therefore required to establish the importance of customer value satisfaction as a prerequisite to Toolbox adoption by designers. Originality/value - This paper provides a useful insight into the practical application of problem-solving tools by construction designers to better understand customer needs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction works; design calculations; problem solving; structural design; value chain |
| Index terms: | value chain, case study, satisfaction, designer, construction work, construction industry, interview, literature review, decision-making, methodology, problem solving, structural design |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, profession, architectural engineering, data analysis and analytics, project delivery, operations management, value chain strategy, research methods, decision-making and reasoning, industry analysis, decision analysis |
| Topics: | Supply Chain Management, Design Practice, Research Practice, Project Management, Risk Management, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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