Open AccessEvaluating the Efficacy of a Dedicated Last Planner® System Facilitator to Enhance Construction Productivity
Author(s) -
William Power,
Derek Sinnott,
Patrick Lynch
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
construction economics and building
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2204-9029
DOI - 10.5130/ajceb.v21i3.7640
Subject(s) - facilitator , productivity , rework , inefficiency , process management , sustainability , lean construction , workflow , business , planner , documentation , quality (philosophy) , operations management , engineering , computer science , economics , ecology , programming language , philosophy , construction industry , epistemology , database , biology , construction engineering , political science , microeconomics , law , macroeconomics , embedded system
Construction unknowingly plans for poor levels of productivity with substantial waste, inefficiency, and rework stemming from a proliferation of non-value-adding activities embedded within traditional delivery processes. This approach negatively influences construction’s economic and environmental sustainability. Last Planner® System (LPS) is a key tool of Lean Construction (LC) and is lauded as a value-add process that prioritises flow efficiency by addressing workflow variability and waste elimination on construction projects. This research evaluates how the presence of a dedicated knowledgeable and competent LPS Facilitator, enabling a complete LPS implementation, contributes to improved construction flow, efficiency, and productivity.
The study adopted a mixed-methods approach utilising case study design and data collected from a literature review, site observation diary, site documentation analysis, and semi-structured interviews. Limitations exist around small survey size, lack of generalisability, and potential bias of researchers. Findings posit considerable productivity increase; more reliable, predictable, and stable workflow; enhanced team collaboration; as well as accrual of safety, quality, cost, and schedule benefits. Embedding a knowledgeable and competent LPS Facilitator appears to assist successful implementation of LPS with sectoral and societal value-add opportunities.