Abstracts – Browse Results
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Duffield, C F (2001) An evaluation framework for privately funded infrastructure projects in Australia, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Fayek, A (1996) A competitive estimating and tendering strategy model for use in the civil engineering construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Gurmu, A (2017) An investigation into construction management practices influencing labour productivity in multi-storey building projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Horman, M J (2000) Process dynamics: Buffer management in building project operations, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
- Type: Thesis
- Keywords: complexity; duration; uncertainty; inventory; lean production; performance improvement; meta-analysis; project performance; simulation
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: http://hdl.handle.net/11343/114541
- Abstract:
The management of uncertainty and complexity is necessary for performance in the management of building projects. This thesis explores lean production and its engagement of uncertainty and complexity to ascertain the means by which lean thinking can best be used to enhance building project performance. As uncertainty and complexity impede performance, they are often managed in ways that will minimise their impact. Buffers like excess inventory and deliberate delays have been used to shield operations from the effects of uncertainty and complexity to improve levels of performance. However, lean thinking argues that the use of buffers to shield uncertainty and complexity from operations is wasteful and induces operational inertia. It eliminates these buffers and utilises operating capacity as an alternative to enable a more efficiently responsive engagement of uncertainty and complexity. Thus, the purpose of buffers changes in lean operations from that of a shield to that of enhancing accommodative capabilities. Buffers are therefore considered necessary, and the concept of process dynamics is introduced to consolidate the management of buffers. Process dynamics encapsulates the insight from lean thinking about the efficiently responsive accommodation of uncertainty and complexity. Building projects require the provision of choice and variety under conditions of considerable uncertainty. Projects structures are arranged to provide variety, yet contend poorly with the uncertainty and complexity present. The consequence is waste that leads to prolonged duration and increased costs. The provision of choice and variety means that some degree of uncertainty and complexity is intrinsic to high levels of performance. Consequently, approaches that better accommodate, rather than shield uncertainty and complexity can improve time and cost performance while still enabling the provision of wide product variety. Levels of wasteful practice in building projects are described through the meta-analysis of past studies into deficient practices in building projects. This analysis confirmed the high levels of waste. The process dynamics concept is tested through a simulation model. This model indicates the performance improvement from deploying buffers under the process dynamics regime. The results indicate that process dynamics provides the means for utilising lean thinking in the management of building projects to maximise performance outcomes.
Jennings, I C (1997) Systemic integration in construction project organisations, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Karunaratne, R (2022) Optimisation of prefabricated modular-integrated residential construction using hybrid customisation methods, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Kenley, R (1986) Construction project cash flow modelling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Architecture and Building (Now Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning), University of Melbourne.
London, K (2004) Construction supply chain procurement modelling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Mills, A J (2002) Client and contractor attitudes to prequalification and selection processes for construction work, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Ryan, P W J (2017) Unlocking the key to mega project delivery, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Sivam, A (1999) An approach to improved housing delivery in large cities of less developed countries, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Smith, J (2002) Strategic client briefing: A model for building project inception, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Trigunarsyah, B (2001) Implementing constructability improvement into the Indonesian construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Ullal, A (2018) Clear, Hold and Build: Conditions and practices characterising construction in conflict and post-conflict settings, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne.
Xu, M (2010) The value of critical project decisions: measurement and modelling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.