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

https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0265

An Agile Approach to Implementing the Principles for Flow Design and Improvement: a Case Study in a Mining Project

Carlos E. Rázuri1 & Luis F. Alarcón2

1Project Manager at Freeport-McMoRan - Cerro Verde, Arequipa, Peru. Professor, Department of Industry and Environment Engineering, Universidad Católica San Pablo, Arequipa, Peru, [email protected], orcid.org/0009 0009-4587-467X
2Professor, Department of Construction Engineering and Management, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-9277-2272 Production Planning and Control

Abstract

This study addresses the challenges in the construction industry by implementing Scrum, an Agile methodology, to apply Koskela's Principles for Flow Design and Improvement in a mining EPCM project. The research identifies a gap in integrating these principles into comprehensive project management. A case study was conducted in Arequipa, Peru, focusing on the installation of an underground primary crushing station and its associated conveyor system. The project was led by the owner's project team, who are also the authors of this paper. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to enhance the validity and reliability of the results. Cronbach's Alpha was used to measure the internal consistency of the survey instrument. The study was applied during the engineering and procurement stages. Survey results indicated a positive perception of Scrum's impact, with high internal consistency across various constructs of Koskela's Principles for Flow Design and Improvement. Key findings include enhanced collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. Additionally, there was a 7.3% increase in Percent Plan Complete (PPC) over 33 weeks, demonstrating improved team adherence to weekly plan commitments. These results suggest that Scrum is a powerful tool for transforming construction project management.

Keywords

Lean construction, Scrum, Agil, Last Planner, Flow Design.

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Reference in APA 7th edition format:

Rázuri, C. E. & Alarcón, L. F.. (2025). An Agile Approach to Implementing the Principles for Flow Design and Improvement: a Case Study in a Mining Project. In Seppänen, O., Koskela, L., & Murata , K. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) (pp. 505–516). https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0265

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

Rázuri, C. E. & Alarcón, L. F.. (2025). An Agile Approach to Implementing the Principles for Flow Design and Improvement: a Case Study in a Mining Project. IGLC33. https://doi.org/10.24928/2025/0265

 

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