Use and non-use of time in construction of new multi-dwelling buildings in Sweden

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to contribute to the understanding of efficiency in value chains in new construction of multi-dwelling buildings in Sweden by giving three perspectives on how time is used and not used. One perspective concerns lead times from the start of briefing to final delivery. A second perspective concerns the fact that work in most projects goes on 40 out of 168 h per week. A third perspective concerns to what extent resources, here human resources, are used. Inspired by value chain thinking, value stream analysis and lean thinking, the analyses show major losses in construction processes and large variations in lead times. It is recommended that time gets more attention in initiatives for improving construction.

Keywords:

• lead times
• construction projects
• productivity
• value chains
• delays
• lean thinking