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Edwards, P J and Bowen, P A (1998) Risk and risk management in construction: a review and future directions for research. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 5(04), 339–49.

Green, S D (1998) The technocratic totalitarianism of construction process improvement: a critical perspective. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 5(04), 376–86.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: business process change; research; corporate improvement; critical theory; lean construction; postmodernism; rhetoric
  • ISBN/ISSN: 0969-9988
  • URL: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046/j.1365-232X.1998.54077.x/abs
  • Abstract:
    The current research agenda for construction process improvement is heavily influenced by the rhetoric of business process re-engineering (BPR). In contrast to the wider literature on BPR, there is little evidence of critical thought within the construction management research community. A postmodernist interpretation is advocated whereby the reality of management practice is defined by the dominant management discourse. The persuasiveness of BPR rhetoric is analysed with particular reference to the way in which it plays on the insecurity of modern managers. Despite the lip service given to 1 empowerment' and 'teamwork', the dominant theme of the re-engineering movement is that of technocratic totalitarianism. From a critical perspective, it is suggested that BPR is imposed on construction organizations to ensure continued control by the industry's dominant power groups. Whilst industry leaders are fond of calling for 'attitudinal and cultural improvement', the language of the accepted research agenda continually reinforces the industry's dominant culture of 'control and command'. Therefore, current research directions in process improvement perpetuate existing attitudes rather than facilitating cultural change. The concept of lean construction is seen to be the latest manifestation of this phenomenon.

Lam, K C, Runeson, G, Tam, C M and Lo, S M (1998) Modelling loan acquisition decisions. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 5(04), 359–75.

Loosemore, M (1998) Social network analysis: using a quantitative tool within an interpretative context to explore the management of construction crises. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 5(04), 315–26.

Proverbs, D G, Holt, G D and Olomolaiye, P O (1998) A comparative evaluation of reinforcement fixing productivity rates amongst French, German and UK construction contractors. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 5(04), 350–8.

Smith, J M, Kenley, R and Wyatt, R (1998) Evaluating the client briefing problem: an exploratory study. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 5(04), 387–98.

Tah, J H M, V, C and Howes, R (1998) An application of case-based reasoning to the planning of highway bridge construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 5(04), 327–38.

Zhang, W R, Wang, S Q, Tiong, R L K, Ting, S K and Ashley, D (1998) Risk management of Shanghai's privately financed Yan'an Donglu tunnels. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 5(04), 399–410.