The Method of Analysis in Production Management

Ricardo Codinhoto1, Lauri Koskela2, Patricia Tzortzopoulos3 & Mike Kagioglou4

1Research Fellow, SCRI / HaCIRIC, School of the Built Environment, University of Salford, Maxwell Building, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WT, UK, Phone: +44 (0)161 2953507, e-mail: [email protected]
2Professor, School of the Built Environment, University of Salford, Maxwell Building, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WT, UK, Phone: +44 (0)161 2956378, e-mail: [email protected]
3Academic Fellow, School of the Built Environment, University of Salford; Maxwell Building, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WT, UK, Phone +44 161 2954284; [email protected]
4Professor, School of the Built Environment, University of Salford, Maxwell Building, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WT, UK, tel. +44 (0)161 2953855, e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

The method of analysis was developed by ancient Greek geometers to identify and solve problems related to geometry. From that period, well known scientists such as Newton and Descartes have applied the method. More recently, Polya has presented the method of analysis as a heuristic template to solve mathematical and other problems. Despite its continual epistemological dilution, the method has also been used to explain the cognitive process of designing. In this paper it is claimed that the method of analysis can also explain production management. It seems that the method of analysis has been used across different levels of management in production, i.e. from a holistic/strategic perspective through to detailed levels. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to discuss whether the method of analysis provides a partial theoretical foundation for production planning. The research approach is literature review with an emphasis on the method of analysis and synthesis. The conclusion is that the method of analysis and synthesis adds to the theoretical explanation of both design and production.

Keywords

Analysis and synthesis, production planning

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Reference

Codinhoto, R. , Koskela, L. , Tzortzopoulos, P. & Kagioglou, M. 2007. The Method of Analysis in Production Management, 15th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , 37-45. doi.org/

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