An Application of Control Theory to Visual Management for Organizational Communication in Construction

Koichi Murata, Algan Tezel, Lauri Koskela, Patricia Tzortzopoulos

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

Abstract

Insufficient process transparency is one of the main reasons for process waste, quality deviations and safety non-conformances in construction. Lean Production frequently resorts to a range of visual communication strategies called Visual Management (VM) to increase the level of process transparency and to support continuous improvement at the workplace. Although VM is a fundamental part of the Lean toolbox, theoretical or empirical studies on the role of VM in team activities are scarce. This study explores VM in construction through a block diagram used in control theory. Two VM tools for construction teams from construction companies in the UK and Japan are analysed in detail. The initial findings suggest that VM can and must cover various communication levels in construction organizations in order to break the barriers for information flows and to share valuable and newest knowledge.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 25th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction
EditorsK. Walsh, R. Sacks, I. Brilakis
Pages185-191
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)978-0-9565951-7-1, 978-0-9565951-8-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Jul 2017
Event25th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 2017 - Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Duration: 9 Jul 201712 Jul 2017

Publication series

Name
PublisherThe International Group for Lean Construction
ISSN (Electronic)2309-0979

Conference

Conference25th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 2017
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityHeraklion, Crete
Period9/07/1712/07/17

Keywords

  • Lean construction
  • visual managament
  • communication
  • control theory

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