From TFV to 2023: Theory and Practice of Lean Construction

Bio:

Dr. Lauri Koskela is Professor of Construction and Project Management at the University of Huddersfield. Previously he worked at the University of Salford as Professor of Lean, Theory Based Project and Production Management. Prior that he was involved in applied research at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Since 1991, Lauri has been involved in research on Lean Construction. His research has focused especially on the theories of production management as well as design management, underlying Lean Construction. Lauri is a founding and continuously active member of the International Group for Lean Construction. He has been Director, Trustee and Company Secretary at Lean Construction Institute – UK.

Abstract:

For thirty years, the presenter has been involved in theoretical work aiming to explain and develop Lean practices in construction. This presentation offers an overview of this work and how it has advanced, and can advance, practice. The focus is especially on theories of production (transformation, flow and value generation), approaches to knowledge acquisition, and understanding of change. How these topics are related to waste and its elimination is discussed.

It is well known that Lean Construction has mainly evolved through practitioner contributions and diffused in peer-to-peer interaction as well as through consultant efforts. The argument here is that these practical efforts can be effectively supported by a theoretical foundation.

Learning objectives:

• To identify the main foundational theoretical approaches in Lean Construction

• To understand the practical consequences of Lean Construction theories

• To understand the multi-faceted concept of waste