Work Structuring at the Boundary of Realization: A Case Study Analysis

Laurie Spitler¹ & Nathan Wood²

Abstract

Work structuring as a method of managing handoffs has been extensively investigated as it applies to supply chains within a project. Work structuring techniques help teams manage the supply chain and improve project delivery. Existing case study research, however, tends to focus on particular silos within a project, such as curtain wall or doors, frames, and hardware. The authors hypothesize that work structuring techniques can also be effectively applied at a project-scale to improve overall project delivery. In every project, there is Boundary of Realization, or transition from completion of design intent to “make ready” for construction. This Boundary of Realization period is characterized by a multitude of formal informational hand-offs between design and construction stakeholders, dictated by contract obligations and ingrained behaviours. The authors use case studies to examine the implementation of work structuring techniques at a project scale, the set-up of contractual requirements, and the patterns and methods of communication. With an understanding of contractual relationships and work structuring techniques used to manage a project’s informational supply chain, the authors diagram methods for structuring informational hand-offs at the Boundary of Realization.

Keywords

Boundary of Realization, Work Structuring, Work Chunk, Production Unit, Hand-off

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Reference

Spitler, L. & Wood, N. 2016. Work Structuring at the Boundary of Realization: A Case Study Analysis, 24th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , -. doi.org/

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