Application of Last Planner® System in Product Concept Development Phase: Use of Lean Concepts in Academic Project Work

摘要

The Last Planner®System (LPS) supports the proactive planning and control of project activities. This allows project teams to improve teamwork in a methodical, structured, effective and productive manner, whilst enhancing continuous improvement efforts. Also, insufficient utilization of resources leads to a final product which is undesirable to the end customer. It is therefore crucial to investigate the use of emerging product concept development (PCD) approaches, such as Kanban, which are inherited from Lean philosophy, to increase the value in customized PCD processes. PCD mainly involves knowledge work. This study presents the use of LPS in a PCD process in an academic project that involves knowledge work. It also demonstrates that it is not possible to deliver desirable results just by implementing LPS; however, to achieve successful PCD outcomes, close cooperation between all members of the project is essential.