Managers and craftsmen perceptions of operational strategies based on lean philosophy: The case of a large Swedish construction company
Paper in proceeding, 2014

Organisations implement operational strategies in order to develop and stay competitive in a changing business environment. However, the strategy needs to be anchored and understood by the employees in order to become successful on a long-term basis. This paper is based on a case study of a large construction company specialised in new construction of multi-dwelling buildings. Five years ago, the company initiated Structured Production, which is an operational strategy based on lean philosophy. The aim of the paper is to identify how middle managers, lower managers and craftsmen perceive how operational strategies is implemented in the company. First, the strategy and the rational behind the decision to implement the strategy is presented. This section is based on document analysis as well as on interviews with upper managers in the company. Then, middle managers, lower managers and craftsmen’ perceptions of the strategy is presented. This section is based on a questionnaire study made 2014. The study shows that the strategy is perceived to focus on structuring and standardising products and processes, while less focus is on the organisation and its members.

strategy implementation

Construction companies

lean construction

operational strategies

Author

Jonathan Dahl

David Nordgren

Per-Erik Josephson

Chalmers, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Construction Management

Proceedings of The 19th International Symposium on the Advancement of Construction Management and Real Estate, 7-9 Nov 2014, Chongqing

Areas of Advance

Building Futures (2010-2018)

Production

Subject Categories

Construction Management

Business Administration

Other Civil Engineering

More information

Created

10/7/2017