Construction Scheduling

Paper Summary:

This paper describes Critical Path Method (CPM) and program evaluation and review technique (PERT), which were early constructions scheduling systems. The paper first examines just-in-time (JIT) resource delivery, the principles of lean construction, the theory of constraints, critical chain management and relationship driven CPM (RD-CPM). The paper then summarizes the principles of lean thinking, such as the reduction of cycle thinking and of variability, and the application of theory of constraint processes to project scheduling, such as identifying the system's constraint.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: A History of Modern Construction Scheduling
Just-In-Time Resource Delivery
Henry Ford
Toyota
Manufacturing
Construction
Lean Construction
Theory of Constraints and Critical Chain Management
Relationship Driven CPM

From the Paper:

"One of the greatest benefits of JIT in manufacturing is that it forces reduction in flow variation, therefore contributing to continuous and ongoing improvement. Can this method be applied to construction? In manufacturing, the call for flexibility arises from a likely difference between the actual and forecast demand. As many products are being manufactured, it is crucial to minimize production time. In the case of industrial construction however, there is only one product being manufactured: the production facility itself."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Aquila, D. and Wlech, N. (1993). "Facilitating in-service programs through PERT/CPM. D Aquila, Nancy Welch." Nursing Management, 24(5), 92-95.
• Ballard, G. and Howell, G. (1995). "Toward Construction JIT." Proceedings of the 1995 ARCOM Conference, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, Sheffield, England:
• Barber, P., Tomkins, C., and Graves, A. (1999). "Decentralized Site Management - A Case Study." International Journal of Project Management, 17(2), 113-120.
• Cahill, M. (1992), A History of Ford. New York, NY: Smithmark Publishers.
• Common, G., Johansen, E. and Greenwood, D. (2000). "A survey of the take-up of Lean Concepts among UK construction companies", Proceedings of the 8th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction Brighton. Retrieved November 28, 2008 from www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/ imichair/iglc8/10.pdf.

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