| Abstract: | A substantial number of the activities currently being carried out in the construction industry are non-value adding. Waste is embedded in the system, and one of the ways to reduce this waste is by applying a lean approach. Simulations provide an opportunity to carry out controlled experiments, to generate convincing proof, and to educate personnel about lean construction principles. No study has yet been published to comprehensively inventory the simulations most frequently played when introducing participants to lean construction. Despite its importance, the development and application of lean construction simulations have not been studied comprehensively. The intent of this paper is to address this need and to offer a concise database of simulations that are being implemented in the construction industry. A thorough literature review regarding the utility, impact and necessity of simulations was conducted. Understanding of lean simulations, current and future, was supplemented by live, semi-structured interviews with three academics and/or practitioners who specialize in the development and facilitation of lean construction simulations. Finally, simulations currently being played most frequently by lean construction educators and practitioners were analyzed and categorized based on the fourteen principles of Liker's The Toyota Way and the five principles of Womack and Jones' Lean Thinking. Opportunities to fill gaps by developing new simulations were also identified. The electronic version of this dissertation is accessible from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/155730 |
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