33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) - Osaka and Kyoto, Japan - 2025

https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0232

Bridging Problem and Solution Spaces: Developing an Innovation Framework with Lean and Agile Methods in Construction

Bernardo Martim Beck da Silva Etges1 & Carla Schwengber ten Caten2

1PhD Candidate, M.Sc. Eng. at Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul; Founding-Partner at Climb Consulting Group, Porto Alegre, Brazil, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3037-5597
2Full Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul(UFRGS), Director of the School of Engineering at UFRGS, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7904-0974

Abstract

This research addresses the challenges of innovation and productivity in the construction industry by leveraging the Problem-Space Framework (PSF) and the Solution-Space Framework (SSF). The Problem-Space Framework (PSF) identifies and prioritizes organizational pain points, while the Solution-Space Framework (SSF) focuses on iterative solution development. These frameworks integrate Lean Construction and Agile methodologies to identify, prioritize, and address organizational pain points systematically. A previous paper Etges ten Caten (2023) had already developed the understanding of the PSF and the pain-point identification. Initially, the PSF focused on diagnosing and defining challenges through workshops, data collection, and prioritization, providing companies with a structured approach to innovation. Subsequent refinements incorporated Lean Construction maturity assessments, improved prioritization tools, and greater involvement of site teams, enhancing the PSF's effectiveness. The second phase of the study introduced the SSF, which emphasizes solution development through iterative cycles. This research aims to develop and validate an innovation framework that integrates the PSF and SSF with Lean and Agile methods to improve innovation and productivity in the construction industry. Agile methodologies structured the process, ensuring adaptability and collaboration. The phased implementation of pilots enabled incremental testing and refinement of solutions. In the third phase, the Innovation Framework was applied in Company R, incorporating lessons learned from Company M and further aligning the framework with industry needs. Tailored workshops and Lean maturity assessments enhanced its adaptability and impact. The framework results highlight the potential of integrating Lean and Agile practices to foster systematic innovation in construction, bridging the gap between identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions. The quantified results are under evaluation as it is ongoing research.

Keywords

Lean construction, innovation, pain-points, agile methods, Solution-Space-Framework, Innovation Framework

Files


Full Text
 

Reference

Download: BibTeX | RIS Format

Reference in APA 7th edition format:

Etges, B. M. B. S. & Caten, C. S. T.. (2025). Bridging Problem and Solution Spaces: Developing an Innovation Framework with Lean and Agile Methods in Construction. In Seppänen, O., Koskela, L., & Murata , K. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) (pp. 1416–1427). https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0232

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

Etges, B. M. B. S. & Caten, C. S. T.. (2025). Bridging Problem and Solution Spaces: Developing an Innovation Framework with Lean and Agile Methods in Construction. IGLC33. https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0232

 

Founded in 1993, the IGLC is an international network of researchers from practice and academia in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) who feel that the practice, education, and research of the AEC industry have to be radically renewed in order to respond to the global challenges ahead.

2015 © All Rights Reserved.