Within a lean framework the goal is to enhance productivity by maximizing client value and minimizing waste known as muda. In the construction industry focus has mainly been on minimizing waste within the construction site production process. However, research has shown that a great amount of the waste experienced during site assembly can be traced back to the early design phase. In addition minimizing waste does not guarantee overall project success if client values are not fully understood. Indeed it is possible to effectively produce a product that the client does not value. This paper reports the early findings of a research project which aims to develop a workshop method for lean design management in construction through a deeper understanding of the Toyota product development system (TPDS) and value theory in general. Results from a case-study will be presented and a theoretical comparison of the workshop model with lean principles will lead to proposals for further development of the workshop approach to design management.
design management, lean product development, value management, workshop method, product value, design reviews
Thyssen, M. H. , Emmitt, S. , Bonke, S. & Kirk-Christoffersen, A. 2008. The Toyota Product Development System Applied to a Design Management Workshop Model, 16th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , 507-518. doi.org/ a >
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