3,246 research outputs found
Lean Design Management in a Major Infrastructure Project in UK
Lean Design Management (LDM) is a response from the lean construction community to overcome the chaotic design process in the AEC industry. Many tools, processes and methods were adapted to the context of design with limited success. This paper presents the use and adaptation of different lean design tools and processes in two phases of a major infrastructure project in the UK. The project is the new high-speed railway to be the backbone of the UK transport network, and it is considered Europe’s largest infrastructure project. The lean design implementation occurred in a Joint-Venture (JV) that had been awarded the main works civils contracts. This paper also compares the results of combined use of adapted last planner in phase 1 and adapted design structure matrix in phase 2, and identifies some of the practical challenges and benefits of the implementation of lean design management. The main contribution of this paper is the contextualisation of different project organisational structures and its influence on the success of the LDM tools implementation. Moreover, a common result for both phases is the enhancement of project communication, collaboration, and transparency of information for planning and control of the project activities
Editorial. Malnutrition in hospitals
Malnutrition is a common cause and consequence of illness, particularly in older people. The number of malnourished people leaving NHS hospitals in England has risen by 85% over the past 10 years. It is still rising and reached almost 140 000 in 2006-7.1 Surveys elsewhere consistently find that about 20% of patients in general hospitals are malnourished (body mass index <18.5 (the World Health Organization 1995 cut off for malnutrition), or thin and losing weight, or both). Figures are higher if specific nutrient deficiencies or functional indications of malnutrition are included. Despite the frequency of malnutrition, it is undiagnosed in up to 70% of patients. This is partly because of the lack of simple laboratory tests, and because biochemical tests for nutritional status are difficult to interpret, particularly as they are often influenced by acute phase responses to inflammation in sick patients
Lean Knowledge Management: The Problem of Value
Lean knowledge management is defined here as: getting the right information, in the
right form, to the right people at the right time. This definition highlights series of
practical problems for knowledge management in the built environment which, in
turn, have implications for lean theory.
In the terms of TFV theory, the problems that arise from getting information to the
right people at the right time are essentially flow (F) issues, but those that are
concerned with defining the right information and the form in which it is to be
delivered are more concerned with value (V). Here, we focus primarily on the
problem of defining right information.
A distinction is made between sociological 'values' and economic 'value', showing
how both relate to production theory. In the course of benefits capture and realisation,
both values and value are negotiated between project participants and other
stakeholders. It is argued that these processes are best conceived as conversations and
that this is implied in the basic formulation of V theory.
The notion of objectivity and its significance for these values/value negotiations is
examined. The problem of benefits realisation is considered and a set of hypotheses
are generated regarding the nature of an effective benefits realization management
proces
Comparing production design activities and location-based planning tools
What are the differences between production system design and work structuring? And between phase scheduling and work structuring? Which lean planning tool is better suited for each one of these design processes: line of balance, takt-time planning or flowline? This paper aims to answer these questions through a comparison and deeper understanding of production design processes, as well as the potential uses of location-based tools for production planning and control in each design effort. The method used is the literature review analyses on main lean terms and tools applied for production system design. With a better comprehension of the terms and tools, it is expected that academics and lean practitioners will be able to apply lean construction in a more aware and sensible manner. The results will also support researcher's decision about the most suitable lean tool to apply in the case studies in different production design processes.</p
How analysis and synthesis have been understood in design
In the disciplines related to the design of products and services, such as New Product Development and Design Science, there is a lack of a commonly accepted theoretical and methodical basis. This papers starts with the proposition that the ancient method of analysis and synthesis, developed originally by Greek geometers, is the basis of models that have been used to classify and describe the ill structured design problem.In this paper, we examine the possibility of improving our understanding of the design process and therefore lean design management by bringing to light a discussion about the concepts of analysis and synthesis and how these have been interpreted through time. Also, how this concept has been used within engineering design methods. To do so, we investigate how analysis and synthesis have been understood in the literature, indicating similarities and differences between ancient and current understandings
Is research in jails the way to end wars over dietary guidance?
US researchers say studies in prisons could firm up evidence on salt intake and health. The doubters will still doubt, say Mike Lean and Alastair Campbell
Lean knowledge management : the problem of value
Lean knowledge management is defined here as: getting the right information, in the right form, to the right people at the right time. This definition highlights series of practical problems for knowledge management in the built environment which, in turn, have implications for lean theory. In the terms of TFV theory, the problems that arise from getting information to the right people at the right time are essentially flow (F) issues, but those that are concerned with defining the right information and the form in which it is to be delivered are more concerned with value (V). Here, we focus primarily on the problem of defining right information. A distinction is made between sociological 'values' and economic 'value', showing how both relate to production theory. In the course of benefits capture and realisation, both values and value are negotiated between project participants and other stakeholders. It is argued that these processes are best conceived as conversations and that this is implied in the basic formulation of V theory. The notion of objectivity and its significance for these values/value negotiations is examined. The problem of benefits realisation is considered and a set of hypotheses are generated regarding the nature of an effective benefits realization management process
Evidence-Based Design in Healthcare: A Lean Perspective With an Emphasis on Value Generation
Evidence-based design (EBD) has been discussed in the literature, including its potential benefits and its limitations for its isolated and fragmented knowledge application. This study is an attempt to integrate the currently fragmented EBD findings to guide decisions for better designing, building and adapting hospitals through Lean thinking with an emphasis on value generation. An EBD review and assessment was carried out to update the current developments in the field. The paper discusses the importance of applying EBD in an integrated way. This is achieved through the development of a conceptual holistic framework based on three data strands inspired through Lean thinking, namely: Building performance, life-cycle cost and user value related evidence. This is an initial attempt and the paper concludes by identifying the limitations and potential future studies
Mike Olszewski Interview, 2009
Mike Olszewski is a newscaster for WKSU-FM and a professor of communications at Kent State University and the University of Akron, as well as the author of several books. He was born in Cleveland in 1953. The interview discusses his childhood, racial issues, music, and the media
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