The process protocol: improving the front end of the design and construction process for the uk industry.

Abstract

Sir Michael Latham [1994] published a report, which identified fragmentation and confrontational relationships as the greatest barriers to improving quality and productivity in the UK construction industry. It was recognised that manufacturing industry is not as plagued with such problems having introduced a number of improvement initiatives over the past twenty years. One such improvement that has been adopted is the stage gate approach to new product development (NPD). This approach enabled progressive management and monitoring of the ‘whole project’lifecycle for all activities involved in the product development with particular attention to the ‘front end’. This paper summarizes the main findings of a funded project, which involved a number of industrial partners from the whole spectrum of the UK construction industry. Particular attention is given to the front-end of the design and construction process and a Generic Design and Construction Process Protocol (GDCPP) map is briefly described. IT is also presented as an enabler in undertaking a consistent process and an IT map is presented. The paper describes how a co-ordinated effort, from a client perspective, at the front-end of the Design and Construction Process could not only improve efficiency but reduce development times, improve quality of the final product and increase predictability.

Keywords: Front end, design and construction, generic, manufacturing, process