Framework for Using LPS in Design on IPD Projects

Abstract

Design in nature is an iterative and interdependent process. Previous research shows that in some projects, 50% of this process contains waste. The Last Planner System (LPS) proved its efficiency in planning and controlling the execution phase. However, due to the nature of the design process, implementing LPS at this stage contains many constraints. Results show that the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and LPS together can significantly improve design workflow, still some issues remain that do not let the IPD project achieve the full potential of LPS in managing a design process. In this research the main constraints are studied and divided into five categories. Recently, many researchers studied the benefits of implementing LPS and how to optimize this method, especially in the execution phase, but there is no integrated framework that contains the available tools and techniques for overcoming constraints in using LPS at the design process. This study indicates that multiple strategies need to be adopted for increasing the applicability of LPS at the design process of a construction project. This paper proposes an integrated framework for addressing design constraints and optimizing the applicability of LPS in the design process on IPD projects.