Applying Lean Product Technique on the Process of tendering in construction projects- Marine Construction Project Study Case
Lean Product Technique is meant to enhance viable operations, accuracy, and promptness in the estimation and tendering of construction projects. According to Smith & Ronald (56), the procedure of cost estimation involves determining how much a structure or any other construction will require for its completion. Cost estimation, as part of tendering procedure, is the top most priority before commencing any kind of construction work. Through Lean Product Technique, estimation is not only important in helping clients to get a rough idea of the cost estimate but also in drawing a proper schedule to complete the project. In addition, project cost estimation is also necessary for users to mark up proposals so as to enable them to precisely bid for the tenders. Besides, both contractors and sub-contractors are able to get a transparent of the planning and material estimation financial plan so as to enable them work appropriately and accurately. In this research proposal, continuous improvement in estimation and tendering is discussed in relation to marine construction project.
Research Question
Lean Product Techniques enhances the estimation processes. This entails the interactions of various materials dealers and subcontractors, and every one performs their individual value-added action that aims at producing the end product. The estimation procedure could rise to an extremely high level if the involvement and participation of these partners are taken into consideration. Because of the typical features of construction projects, such as marine construction, all parties involved have to communicate in a rapid, simple and consistent ways by exchanging info related to the project. Conversely, companies that deal with construction projects frequently place lower bids every time they are invited to make bids on construction projects. High competition can cause spiteful price conflicts to win a tender. Obviously, this could harmfully compromise on the quality of the construction project (Simm, Jonathan, & Cruickshank 91). Therefore, the most important question is what are some methods of ensuring Continuous Improvement in estimating and tendering of Marines Construction project?
Continuous Improvement in estimating and tendering of Marines Construction project through Lean Product Technique
Lean Product Technique is a simple concept that targets at bringing efficacy by applying the least amount of required resources. This method necessitates the identification the requirements of the client, and enhancing the processes by eradicating actions that do not any substantial value to the client. It operates on the assumption that eliminating wasteful procedures enhance business performance. In addition it assumes that most micro level advancements are better compared to a wide-ranging macro system analysis. However, it results into decreased flow time, efficiency of the process and well as fewer inventories. Essentially lean, when applied to construction work, changes the manner in which work is carried out all through the delivery process. Lean construction is derived from the goals of the lean production system, which emphasizes on the maximization of value while at the same time reducing waste. This is relevant to particular methods and applies them in fresh project execution process.
Consequently, lean works to design the facility along with its delivery process in order to disclose and support the client objectives. Optimistic iterations in the process are reinforced while negative iteration minimized. Work is organized all through the process not only to maximize value but also to minimize wastes that could be incurred at the project execution level. Again, efforts are made to manage and enhance the performance with an intention of boosting the overall project performance since it is more significant than decreasing the cost or up surging the speed of any action. Control is redefined to include the measurements and improvements in the planning and control systems performance. The dependable delivery of work between experts in the design, supply, and construction guarantees value is provided to the client and waste is minimized. Lean approach is especially beneficial on complicated, indefinite and rapid projects. It defies the conviction that there have to be a trade between factors such as cost, time, and quality. Besides the tools discussed above, there are other technique that could as well be employed for continuous improvement. Some of these techniques include six sigma, total quality management, and Lean (McCarthy 102).
The construction corporations that deals with project specifications, conducts a market survey, whenever necessary, and provides an estimate of the cost as well as the period it will take to complete the project. Depending on these estimations, the company gives the tender document to the client who then analyzes it and normally after some talks with the company, an agreement is reached, which is commonly referred to as the project contract. There are several methods and tools for ensuring continuous improvement (Chang & Richard 41). In conclusion, continuous improvement is necessary, especially for marine construction companies (in their estimation and tendering process) so that the quality of construction is not compromised.
Works Cited
Brinkkemper, Sjaak, Kalle Lyytinen, and Richard J. Welke. Method Engineering: Principles of Method Construction and Tool Support: Proceedings of the Ifip Tc8, Wg8.1/8.2 Working Conference on Method Engineering 26-28 August 1996, Atlanta, Usa. London: Chapman & Hall, on behalf of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP, 1996. Print.
Chang, Richard Y. Continuous Improvement Tools: A Practical Guide to Achieve Quality Results. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, 1993. Print.
McCarthy, F. Construction Project Management: A Managerial Approach. Westchester, Ill: Pareto — Building Improvement, 2010. Print.
Simm, Jonathan, and Ian Cruickshank. Construction Risk in Coastal Engineering. London: Thomas Telford, 1998. Print.
Smith, Ronald C. Estimating and Tendering for Building Work. London: Longman, 1986. Print.