3,354 research outputs found
Lean Design Management in a Major Infrastructure Project in UK
No full textLean 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
No full textMalnutrition 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 six sigma in a call centre : a case study
No full textThis paper, a case study, aims to illustrate the application of lean six sigma in a call centre of a service industry corporation. The study draws on process information and primary data from a real project. The study describes improvements in the operation of the call centre attributable to lean six sigma: increase in first-call resolution ratio, reduction in operator turnover and streamlining of processes. The introduction of lean six sigma into the call centre daily operations' management may have organizational benefits. Although lean six sigma has been extremely successful in the last two decades in the manufacturing sector, its applicability to the service sector has been a controversial topic. This study illustrates its application to a fast-growing area of the service sector, assisting companies in identifying areas of development for their call centres
Lean Knowledge Management: The Problem of Value
No full textLean 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
No full textWhat 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
A customised lean model for a Chinese aerospace OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
No full textThe aim of this research is to introduce Lean Thinking in a systematic and cost
effective way; moreover, it is to bring Lean Principles and apply Lean Tools to
the new aerospace companies. In particular the research will develop a
customised Lean manufacturing model. The following objectives will be
achieved during the research. 1); Investigate the principal features of Lean
Thinking, and identify state of the art in Lean manufacturing implementation. 2);
Identify the current situation of a specific Chinese aerospace company and the
requirements needed in becoming Lean. 3); Develop a customised Lean model
for applying Lean into a new Chinese aerospace company. 4); Validate the
Lean manufacturing model by experts in the company and university.
The Chinese traditional thinking is different from lean think. Therefore, to
implement Lean in China will face some distinct barriers. The author attempts to
resolve these problems through a customised lean model. According to the
literature review and researcher‘s knowledge, there is no paper developing a
model linking to the barriers of lean implementation in Chinese manufacturing.
Therefore, the author will attempt to fill in this gap during the research.
The questionnaire and assessment tool will be used to collect information from
the company. Best practices will help to establish the structure of the model.
However, in China, most companies implement lean through copying examples
from the United States, UK and other Western countries without combining their
current situation and culture. The contribution of this research is to develop a
model to link Chinese barriers and a company‘s situation for lean
implementation.
Finally, this model will be validated by company and academic experts. The first
validation is based on the sponsoring company. Other validations are achieved
by academic experts and industrial expert
Principles of the lean construction on the planning process of a huge builder in Natal (RN)
No full textThe civil construction represents one of the most important sectors for the economic growth of a country. To make this industry grow it is necessary to implement an effective planning in activities. This is one of the most important concepts brought by the Lean Construction philosophy. The main goal of this article consists in investigating how the 11 principles of the lean construction influenced the schedule of a construction field. As a methodology, it was used the case study of a big enterprise located in Natal (RN). During the execution of the method, documents were analysed , it was also described the factors that caused the delays at the enterprises’ field , the actions were listed by the company, which had the purpose to solve the main causes of delays, verifying if they were linked to the lean construction principles. This research it is relevant because the principles of the lean construction uphold the reduction of processes that are useless, diminishing wastes as well as costs in construction. Among the main results, the high frequency of planning errors stands out, mainly the programming deviations and not the task programming, as well as the execution errors, low productivity and activities executed by the workers. Amongst the 11 principles of lean construction, only five were related with the 12 actions analysed by the author. From the 12 actions, four were completely cohesive to one or more from these five principles. Some improvement proposals were also highlighted and established by the research
How analysis and synthesis have been understood in design
No full textIn 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?
No full textUS 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
No full textLean 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
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