Lean Approach to Scheduling in Construction Projects

Revision as of 14:30, 13 February 2018

Abstract

Scheduling of activities are of utmost importance when starting a new project whatever scale it might be on. It is done to ensure the resources are used efficiently and in most cost effective way^[1]. According to PMI (2013) the Plan Schedule Management Process may involve “choosing strategic options to estimate and schedule the project such as: scheduling methodology, scheduling tools and techniques, estimating approaches, formats, and project management software”^[2].

There are various methods and techniques for scheduling of which the most widely used are the Critical Path Method (CPM). CMP is primarily an activity based method that takes the activity as the unit of focus, and is often presented in a Gantt Charts^[1]. However, criticism of the CPM and Gantt Chart has been raised, specifically in the case of construction projects, for not sufficiently supporting management during the construction phase, and not creating a continuous, and thus financial, flow of resources ^[3][4].

Delete: Lean thinking aims at optimizing production flow and eliminate waste of resources. The ideology is adjusted to the construction industry and called Lean Construction. Lean Construction methods are becoming common practice on construction projects with the use of the Last Planner System (LPS) and Location Based Scheduling (LBS) as planning and scheduling tools ^[5]

The Location-based Scheduling (LBS) methodology is designed to plan and manage workflows and may therefore be expected to be a useful alternative to CPM^[3].

This article aims at comparing the scheduling techniques CPM/Gantt Chart and the two Lean approaches to scheduling in construction projects; Last Planner System and Location Based Scheduling.

• Firstly, a brief theoretical description of CPM and Gantt Chart is given, followed by an application-oriented description of the two Lean approaches to scheduling techniques.
• Secondly, the two scheduling techniques, including advantages and disadvantages, are compared to CPM and Gantt Chart.
• Lastly, the benefits of using Lean approaches to scheduling of construction projects are discussed.

Big idea

Describe the tool, concept or theory and explain it's purpose. The section should reflect the current state of the art on the topic.

A study concludes, with emphasis from the site management involved, that the three most important implications of LBS are:

1. Improved schedule overview
2. Establishment of work-flows
3. Improved project control

Application

Provide guidance on how to use the tool/concept/theory and when it's applicable.

Limitations

Critically reflect on the tool/concept/theory. When possible, substantiate your claims with literature.

Although LBS has a long history and is well-founded theoretically, the method in general has not had much interest in the construction industry. In addition to the results available in the form of theoretical research, there is still limited knowledge about the application of the LBS method in practice. A possible explanation of the limited extent of the method may be that there has been no user-friendly IT-based planning tool for the LBS method. However, IT tools based on location based planning, such as Control™ and Vico Office, has now become unsettled and has been introduced to the 2003 international marketCite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag

^[2]

^[6]

^[4]

^[3]

^[5]

1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named international
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Project Management Institute., 2013. A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide). 5th ed., Available at: http://proquestcombo.safaribooksonline.com.proxy.findit.dtu.dk/book/software-engineering-and-development/project-management/9781935589679/firstchapter [Accessed February 8, 2018]
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} Andersson, N. & Christensen, K., 2007. Location-based Scheduling. Vurdering af LBS-metodens anvendelse i byggeprojekter
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} Andersson, N. & Jørgensen, B., Practical Implications of Location-based Scheduling. Available at: http://www.leanconstruction.dk/media/16573/Niclas%20Andersson.pdf [Accessed February 8, 2018]
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} Guevara, J., 2015. Lean Construction Methods and CPM Scheduling Work Together - Aegis Project Controls. Available at: http://www.consultaegis.com/news/blog-posts/lean-construction-methods-cpm-scheduling-work-together/ [Accessed February 8, 2018]
6. ↑ Bertelsen, S., 2012. Håndbog i Trimmet Byggeri - Lean Construction. , pp.1–154. Available at: http://www.leanconstruction.dk/media/8947/Håndbog v 2.1.pdf

References