Henderson, J R; Ruikar, K D and Dainty, A R J (2013) The need to improve double-loop learning and design-construction feedback loops: A survey of industry practice. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 20(3), pp. 290-306. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to report the empirical findings of a survey aimed to investigate the need to improve cross-phase learning between design and construction. Through exploring the need to introduce a design-construction feedback loop, combined with the barriers against its development, an expansion of knowledge surrounding the deficiencies of current practice is provided. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reports the results from an online survey conducted in spring 2011 targeted at experienced personnel in the planning, design, construction and facilities management phases of healthcare infrastructure projects. Findings - The current approach of detecting and correcting errors is significantly hindering the extent to which learning from previous experiences is taking place. It is shown that improved integration between design and construction is required in the form of improved feedback if continuous improvement in the areas of efficiency, quality, value and general learning from previous experiences/projects is to be achieved. Research limitations/implications - The focused population of this study limits the extent to which the findings can be generalised. However, it is viewed that this context is potentially one of the most complex and unique project participant arrangements to overcome. Therefore if the need and ability to share learning outcomes across such a complex arrangement can be achieved, then it may be easier within traditional arrangements. Practical implications - The practical implications of moving away from single-loop learning towards a double-loop learning approach are provided. Originality/value - This paper identifies that there is a distinct need for further efforts to be applied in the area of improving feedback between the phases of design and construction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | buildability; construction industry; design; double-loop learning; feedback; learning |
| Index terms: | survey, personnel, buildability, facilities management, population, methodology, integration, feedback loop, continuous improvement, efficiency, infrastructure project, construction industry, learning outcome, design and construction |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, control systems, contractual arrangements, management, performance measurement, research methods, performance management, demography, organizational analysis, design efficiency, infrastructure and transport systems, industry analysis, student development |
| Topics: | Education, Organizational Design, Urban Studies, Design Practice, Quality Management, Human Resources, Procurement, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, 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