TECHNICAL PAPERS
Dec 3, 2010

New Operating System for Project Management: Consequences and Opportunities

Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 137, Issue 10

Abstract

This paper follows “Construction Engineering: Reinvigorating the Discipline.” That paper argued that a new flow-based operating system was poised to replace the activity-centered operating system of traditional project management and that a coherent organizational and contractual approach would evolve. Shifting to a new operating system based on the theory, principles, and practices of production system design will reduce waste, spur learning and innovation, and deliver more value to clients and other participants. After a reflection on a model for making sense, the paper explores the consequences of this shift from a number of perspectives and speculates on the impact on practice and research. The paper closes with a brief reflection on teaching in times of rapid change.

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References

Howell, G., Ballard, G., and Tommelein, I. (2010). “Construction engineering: Reinvigorating the discipline.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage, (Aug. 23, 2010).
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Go to Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 137Issue 10October 2011
Pages: 882 - 886

History

Received: Aug 28, 2010
Accepted: Dec 1, 2010
Published online: Dec 3, 2010
Published in print: Oct 1, 2011

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Gregory A. Howell, P.E., M.ASCE [email protected]
President, Lean Construction Institute. E-mail: [email protected]

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