Human resource management implications of lean construction

Citation

(2001), "Human resource management implications of lean construction", Facilities, Vol. 19 No. 13/14. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2001.06919maf.003

Human resource management implications of lean construction

Keywords: Construction industry, Research, Human resource management

The University of Reading has been awarded an EPSRC-funded research project to investigate the influence of lean construction on human resource management policies in the construction industry. The project is led by the Department of Construction Management & Engineering at the University of Reading and the Department of Organisational Behaviour, Imperial College, London. Industrial partners include:

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  Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union (AEEU);

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  Chartered Institute of Building (ClOB);

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  Confederation of Construction Specialists;

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  Gardiner & Theobald;

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  Geoffrey Reid Associates;

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  Jones Lang LaSalle;

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  MACE Ltd;

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  Movement for Innovation (M4I);

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  Ove Arup & Partners;

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  Pearce Group plc;

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  RGCM Ltd;

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  Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd;

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  W.S. Atkins Consulting Ltd;

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  Taylor Woodrow Engineering;

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  UCATT;

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  Wembley National Stadium Ltd.

The research methodology will comprise a combination of methods to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Different techniques will be employed as appropriate at different levels of analysis. The research design will comprise three levels of analysis.

1. 1.

   The first level will be the policy level, involving representatives of the bodies that shape the UK's construction industry's agenda for change.

2. 2.

   The second level of analysis will be the operational level. This will focus on the way in which lean thinking is currently implemented by client organizations, construction companies and professional practices. Research outputs will comprise ten in-depth case studies illustrating different levels of implementation of lean thinking, together with its relationship with the espoused HRM policy.

3. 3.

   The third level of analysis will be that of the individual. This will focus on the way in which the three themes described above impinge upon the quality of working life of individuals at both the operative, supervisory and professional level. This level is made especially relevant by the current respect for people initiative.

Further information is available by contacting Dr Stuart Green at the University of Reading, tel: +44 (0) 118 931 8201 or Catherine Joiner, Public Relations Manager, tel: +44 (0) 1344 630 765; e-mail: cjoiner@ciob.org.uk