Framework Linking Lean Simulations to Their Applications on Construction Projects

Anush Neeraj1, Zofia K. Rybkowski2, José L. Fernández-Solís3, Rodney C. Hill4, Cynthia Tsao5, Bill Seed6 & Dan Heinemeier7

1Graduate Student, Dept. of Construction Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX,77843 USA, +1 979-985-0609, [email protected]
2Assistant Professor, Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, +1 979-845-4354 , [email protected]
3Associate Professor, Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX,77843, +1 979-458-1058, [email protected]
4Professor, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX,77843, +1 979-845- 7058, [email protected]
5Director of Lean Strategy, Consigli Construction, Boston, MA, USA, [email protected]
6Transformational Achiever Coach, Strategic Solutions Incorporated, FL, USA, [email protected]
7Executive Director, Lean Construction Institute, Arlington, VA, USA, [email protected]

Abstract

The QUESTION this paper seeks to address is: Can the principles illustrated by Lean simulations be systematically linked to applications of those principles on actual projects? The PURPOSE of this research has been to ease the transition between theory and practice by aggregating published case studies as well as lean simulations and making links between them. The RESEARCH METHOD adopted for this study included: (1) prepare a systematic literature review sourced from LCI and IGLC databases; (2) collaborate with the Lean Construction Institute to construct an inventory of existing lean simulations and the principles they illustrate; (3) analyze published case studies and simulations for the lean principles they embody; and (4) develop a matrix to establish logic connections between simulations and case studies from actual projects. FINDINGS were assembled onto a Simulation/Case-study matrix. This research involved locating, translating, and organizing 23 years of published, organically developed, construction case studies from IGLC and LCI databases. Therefore one LIMITATION of this this research is that it included only those simulations and case studies that have been published. One IMPLICATION and VALUE of this research is that it offers a framework to assist lean educators and facilitators when teaching Lean Construction. This matrix can also serve as a “seed” for various international communities to extend and share how specific lean principles can be incorporated into their own cultural traditions within project delivery processes.

Keywords

Lean simulations, case studies, Lean Construction teaching, Simulation/Case-Study matrix, Lean principles

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Reference

Neeraj, A. , Rybkowski, Z. K. , Fernández-Solís, J. L. , Hill, R. C. , Tsao, C. , Seed, B. & Heinemeier, D. 2016. Framework Linking Lean Simulations to Their Applications on Construction Projects, 24th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , -. doi.org/

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