Course Outline
Module 1: Lean Fundamentals and Systems Thinking Applied to Construction
Leveraging Lean thinking
Lean Thinking
The five principles of Lean
Systems thinking (Deming) applied to construction projects
Directed planning vs. collaborative planning
Traditional model vs. Lean Construction
Innovation curve in construction
Command and control vs. Lean approach
Exercise: Identifying waste in a real construction project.
Module 2: Lean Construction and Flow Management on Site
Value flow in construction
Mapping the value chain (VSM) in construction projects
The most common forms of waste in construction
MUDA, MURI, MURA
Bottleneck analysis
Five-step focusing process
Factory model vs. construction project model
The concept of continuous flow on site
Exercise: Mapping the flow of a construction process (e.g., concrete slab pouring or MEP installation).
Module 3: Last Planner System (LPS) – Collaborative Planning in Construction
Introduction to the Last Planner System
LPS principles
Planning hierarchy:
Master Schedule
Phase Planning
Lookahead Planning
Weekly Work Plan (WWP)
Pull planning in construction
Commitment-based planning
Percent Plan Complete (PPC)
Constraint management
Root cause analysis of non-compliance
Collaborative planning meetings
Roles within the LPS
Practical exercise: Pull planning simulation for a project phase.
Module 4: Agile Fundamentals Applied to Construction
Why Agile?
Why do projects fail?
Comparison of iterative methodologies
The Agile approach in construction projects
Interdisciplinary teamwork
Shared responsibility
Self-organization in field teams
Adapting Agile to non-IT environments
Exercise: Designing an iterative cycle for construction deliverables.
Module 5: Scrum Adapted for Construction Projects
What is Scrum?
Roles:
Product Owner (client or developer)
Scrum Master
Execution Team
User stories applied to construction requirements
Acceptance criteria
Prioritization of deliverables
Sprint planning
What happens during a Sprint?
Adapted stand-up meetings for the field
Sprint review
Retrospective
Iteration release
Group exercise: Planning a site Sprint.
Module 6: Kanban and Visual Management in Construction
Kanban pillars
Kanban rules
Concepts behind Kanban
Process visualization
Designing a Kanban board for job sites
WIP limits
Service classes
Flow metrics
Flow diagrams
Commitment to the client
Exercise: Designing a Kanban board for subcontractor control.
Module 7: Continuous Improvement and Lean Culture in Construction
Kaizen on site
Continuous improvement meetings
Maintaining documentation
Ensuring proper practices
Benefiting from effective teamwork
The golden circle applied to construction projects
Impact mapping
Design thinking applied to customer experience in construction
Story mapping applied to construction phases
Final integrative exercise: Designing a Lean + LPS + Kanban system for a construction project.
Requirements
Requirements
No prior knowledge of agile methodologies is required, although experience in managing or executing construction projects is recommended.
Target Audience
Construction project managers
Site residents (residential property managers overseeing construction sites)
Superintendents
Planning coordinators
Construction directors
Civil engineers and architects
