Digitalization of Lean Learning Simulations: Teaching Lean Principles and Last Planner® System

Abstract

Lean simulations are an effective way to learn Lean principles and experience the impact on process optimization. However, to date, in construction these have mostly been conducted physically on site or in the office. As digital solutions for collaboration and teaching are increasingly developed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lean simulations also need to evolve by being decentralized from the project team and driven by digitalization.This paper examines the adaptation and creation of Lean simulations that can be run on a digital platform that supports interactions between multiple participants in real time. Specifically, two simulations were created through a three-phase iterative development. The first simulation focuses on Lean principles and the second on the Last Planner® System. To evaluate the developed digital simulations, feedback was collected from the participants through questionnaires. It can be noted that all rating results were in the upper range. Research objectives were achieved: The evaluation of the technology, the fun and the design indicate that the participants can successfully interact with each other via the chosen digital platform. It also proved that digital simulations offer high flexibility, integration of technology with low costs and effort as well as a high level of sustainability.

Learning-to-learn sand cone model integrated lean learning framework for construction industry

“…There are several approaches and models to implement lean learning in the organisation such as Single and Double-Loop Learning (Mazur et al, 2012), SECI (socialisation, externalisation, combination, internalisation) model (Adesina and Ocholla, 2019;Lehtovaara et al, 2019), learning-to-learn sand cone model (Powell and Coughlan, 2020), Causal Loop Model of Lean Basic Training (Adam et al, 2021), Lean Learning Factory sections (Gjeldum et al, 2016;Veza et al, 2017), game and simulation-based methods (Badurdeen et al, 2009;Merwe, 2017;Pellicer and Ponz-Tienda, 2014), Lean learning activities (Herrera et al, 2019), 4I framework (Lawrence et al, 2005), value stream of learning (Chatley and Field, 2017), lean start-up model ( Avalos et al, 2019) and PDCA cycle (Cisterna et al, 2021).…”

“…In the construction industry, the SECI model provides a connection between lean construction approaches and knowledge management (Zhang and Chen, 2016). Furthermore, simulation (Neeraj et al, 2016), the game with computer simulation (Biotto et al, 2021) and digital solutions (Cisterna et al, 2021) provide the learning environment as it is simpler to comprehend the operation of an actual system under real-time settings. However, due to the influence of COVID-19, traditional educational models needed to be adapted to meet societal needs through lean simulations powered by digitalisation (Cisterna et al, 2021).…”

“…Furthermore, simulation (Neeraj et al, 2016), the game with computer simulation (Biotto et al, 2021) and digital solutions (Cisterna et al, 2021) provide the learning environment as it is simpler to comprehend the operation of an actual system under real-time settings. However, due to the influence of COVID-19, traditional educational models needed to be adapted to meet societal needs through lean simulations powered by digitalisation (Cisterna et al, 2021). Even though Deshpande and Huang (2011) revealed there are numerous reasons why the game with computer simulation should not be used: a lack of understanding of simulation technologies' capabilities, acquiring the required resources is challenging and the incapacity of the instructor to employ the latest technologies.…”

“…, 2005), value stream of learning (Chatley and Field, 2017), lean start-up model (Ávalos et al. , 2019) and PDCA cycle (Cisterna et al. , 2021).…”

Lean Thinking to Improve Curriculum Delivery in Civil Engineering Using Monte Carlo Simulation

“…In another study, the authors examined the use of "Lean Simulation" as an effective way to learn lean principles and understand the impact on process optimization. The authors developed a simulation model on a digital platform that supports user interactions to educate participants about lean principles, including the Last Planner ® system (Cisterna et al 2021). Also, Hao and Florez-Perez (2021) conducted empirical research to identify the effect of the physical classroom environment on the motivational attributes of students in HEI.…”