Yg Sandanayake

Design of a performance measurement system for just-in-time production: a methodological framework

In this era of globalisation and fierce competition amongst businesses there is a need to implement new manufacturing strategies to enhance business performance. Time-based competition is a multidimensional approach and Just-in-Time (JIT) philosophy designed to achieve high volume production using minimum inventory at the right time based on planned elimination of all wastes and continuous improvement, now plays an increasingly prominent role in manufacturing environment. However, there is no evidence in the literature of any mechanism for quantitatively relating JIT techniques to measurable performance in manufacturing environment. This paper describes the methodological framework to understand the impact of key JIT drivers on performance and hence develop a generic model to identify and capture the strategic influences of JIT practices on performance. An application of this methodology in a JIT-enabled UK manufacturing company is presented.

Methodology to extract underlying basic assumptions of a public sector construction project culture: an exploratory case study

ABSTRACT Identifying underlying basic assumptions of a construction project team brings insightfulness to cultural studies and is useful for managing project changes. However, methodological issues create barriers to such studies due to difficulties in capturing basic assumptions. This paper adopts an exploratory case study of a public sector building construction project to identify an appropriate methodology for data collection and test the ability to analyse the collected data for the purpose of extracting underlying basic assumptions of a construction project culture. Data were collected using interviews and observations, and analysed by code-based content analysis. Research findings confirm the suitability of questioning on internal integration and external adaptation problems of the construction project team to extract basic assumptions while highlighting the necessity of questioning on conflicting and critical situations of the project. Accordingly, several basic assumptions for client and consultant sub-cultural groups were identified. The methodology proposed in this study can be extended to explore basic assumptions of contractor sub-cultural group and then of the whole project.

Academic research in emerging knowledge-based economies : the case of Sri Lankan construction industry

Purpose Knowledge-based economies are popular in the present world. Simultaneously, universities are becoming more responsible for leading economic development through research. As a key contributor to the national economy, it is vital for the construction industry to move beyond outdated practices, and hence, reviewing the role of academic research in empowering construction industry with knowledge is essential. This paper focuses on how relevant theories conceptualise the expected role of academic research in the innovative development of an industry and the specific location in Sri Lankan construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Following a comprehensive literature review, empirical data were collected from Sri Lankan context with a mixed approach informed by a pragmatist philosophical stance. The perspective of academia and industry practitioners were deductively obtained through surveys and inductively explored through qualitative interviews. Findings This study provides evidence that academic research in Sri Lanka does not contribute effectively to innovative construction management. Due to the absence of industry-focused knowledge dissemination strategies, the academic-industry relationships are mostly non-research based. The industry lacks in research informed-decision making, leading to lesser innovations. Research limitations/implications The research conclusions are more applicable to the developing-country construction industry contexts. Practical implications The research urges the need for improved academic-industry research collaborations and strategic knowledge dissemination movements. Originality/value The research confirms academic research as a major integral part of developing construction industry in a knowledge-based economy. In establishing the expected role of academic research, the research revealed the current practice to be under-located. Hence, the research prescribes the necessary actions; research collaborations in major and subsequent requirements. Keywords – Academic research, Construction management, Innovation theories, Knowledge-based economies, Knowledge dissemination, Knowledge utilisation, Research collaborations

Positioning the facilities manager’s role throughout the building lifecycle

Purpose Facilities Management (FM) is a dynamic profession, which supports core business functions by creating cost-effective and risk-free built environment aligned with the strategic business directives throughout the building life cycle. This study aims to investigate and position the Facilities Manager’s role during building life cycle based on the stages of RIBA Plan of Work 2013. Design/methodology/approach A literature survey and in-depth interviews with experts were used to investigate the role of a Facilities Manager at the different stages of RIBA Plan of Work 2013. The gathered data were analysed using content analysis technique to explore the role of a Facilities Manager. Findings Research findings assert that advising the Client on cost-effective building expansion options as a vital role of a Facilities Manager at Strategic Definition stage. Further, briefing the Client’s requirement is a foremost undertaking of a Facilities Manager at Preparation and Brief stage. During the Concept Design and Developed Design stages, Facilities Manager plays a key role in value engineering exercises to ensure value for client?s money and also prepares operations and maintenance strategies to be used at the In Use stage. Moreover, Facilities Manager must have a technical training on buildings, services and systems at Handover stage to manage them at the In Use stages. Originality/value The role of a Facilities Manager identified in this study can be used as a guide by the Clients and project teams in obtaining their services during the building life cycle to enhance building performance.

Collaborative facilities management model: Sri Lankan perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a collaborative facilities management (CFM) model incorporating facilities management (FM) functions that can be shared and performed collaboratively by two or more organisations to enhance the performance of FM functions of collaborating organisations. Design/methodology/approach A critical literature review followed by a preliminary investigation was used to identify main categories of FM functions that can be performed collaboratively and dimensions that affect FM collaboration. Subsequently, a detailed list of FM functions that can be performed collaboratively under eight different contexts based on three dimensions identified through observations, document reviews and in-depth interviews with experts who have experience in each context. Findings The paper introduces a novel concept of CFM to share utility/infrastructure facilities, facility services and information by two or more organisations to maintain, improve, adapt and ensure functionality of the built environments of the collaborating organisations. The study identified core business, geographical location and ownership as the key dimensions that affect CFM concept. The outcome of the study, which is CFM model, proposes FM functions that can be performed collaboratively and benefits of collaborating utilities/infrastructure facilities, facility services and information under the aforementioned key dimensions to create a win-win situation for the organisations. Practical implications The paper highlights the FM functions that can be performed collaboratively in order to provide favourable solutions for operational issues faced by facilities managers, while optimising the FM performance of the organisations. Originality/value The CFM model offers original insights to the FM functions that can be shared and performed collaboratively by organisations under different contexts to optimise the FM performance.