Improving Lean Supply Chain Management in the Construction Industry.pdf

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI


Date: May 11, 2006


I, Eric R Zimmer,
hereby submit this work as part of the requirements for the degree of:
Master of Science
in:
Civil Engineering
It is entitled:
Improving Lean Supply Chain Management in
the Construction Industry





This work and its defense approved by:


Chair: Dr. Sam Salem
Dr. Richard Shell
Dr. Ash Genaidy
Dr. Heng Wei
Improving Lean Supply Chain
Management in the Construction
Industry


A thesis submitted to the
Division of Graduate Studies
Of the

University of Cincinnati

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Science

In the
Construction Engineering and Management Program
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
College of Engineering

May, 2006
By
Eric R. Zimmer
., University of Cincinnati, 2003

Committee
Dr. Sam Salem (Chair and Advisor)
Dr. Richard Shell
Dr. Ashraf Genaidy
Dr. Heng Wei
Abstract
Development of lean construction principles has for the most part centered on the
field activities themselves. However, the ideology of lean focuses on the entire value
stream of an operation from raw material to final product delivery. Waste and
inefficiency is still evident throughout construction supply chains. This thesis
investigates improvement opportunities in this industry, utilizing the practice of lean
supply chain management. Key initiatives are identified through a literature review.
Field study with a medium size building pany addresses applicability in
the field, showing: differences between lean and non-lean fabricators and effects on
construction, where just-in-time material delivery may apply, effective staging of
materials on site, and other observations from site. It is stressed that changes in supplier
activity can improve field operations. Another improvement opportunity in lea