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Bildsten, Louise
Publications (10 of 10) Show all publications
Sandberg, E. & Bildsten, L. (2011). Coordination and waste in industrialised housing. Construction Innovation, 11(1), 77-91
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Coordination and waste in industrialised housing
2011 (English)In: Construction Innovation, ISSN 1471-4175, E-ISSN 1477-0857, Vol. 11, no 1, p. 77-91Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose – This study maintains that there is a need for proper execution of coordination mechanisms as a means to reduce waste. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the coordination of activities and resources on the one hand, and the occurrence of different types of waste on the other.

Design/methodology/approach – The empirical context of this paper is a case study at a Swedish construction company that has applied the industrialised housing concept; a concept which has increased in popularity in recent years. The core concept of industrialised housing means that houses are (more or less) pre-manufactured in specific production units, i.e. factories, and thereafter assembled on-site.

Findings – The analysis highlights the importance of having the right type as well as the right amount of coordination. In addition, obstacles and challenges for proper coordination are discussed.

Originality/value – Even if not all waste can be explained and eliminated by appropriate coordination, this research shows that coordination theory provides lean researchers with a new tool for analysis of the supply chain and how waste can be eliminated.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Emerald, 2011
Keywords
Waste, Housing, Sweden
National Category
Social Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-64453 (URN)10.1108/14714171111104646 (DOI)
Available from: 2011-01-25 Created: 2011-01-25 Last updated: 2021-12-29
Bildsten, L. (2011). Exploring the opportunities and barriers of using prefabricated house components. In: John Rooke (Ed.), Proceedings of the 19th Conference of the International Group of Lean Construction (IGLC) in Lima, Peru. Paper presented at 19th Conference of the International Group of Lean Construction (IGLC), July 13-15, Lima, Peru.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Exploring the opportunities and barriers of using prefabricated house components
2011 (English)In: Proceedings of the 19th Conference of the International Group of Lean Construction (IGLC) in Lima, Peru / [ed] John Rooke, 2011Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

To satisfy customers’ desires with a maintained efficiency of the production process is a challenge for many house construction companies. Houses are one-off projects with a production process characterized by variability and complexity that often lead to unpredicted costs. Prefabricated component solutions could possibly solve these issues through modularization, mass customization and delayed product differentiation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the opportunities and barriers to use prefabricated house components. Interviews were conducted with two industrial house manufacturers to pinpoint these opportunities and barriers. The impact of this research may have value for house construction companies considering the use of prefabricated house components. The use of these components may lead to benefits such as shorter lead-time, higher quality, decreased complexity in coordination and reduced risks of production failures. Moreover, this research may be valuable to house component suppliers in the business development of their product offers to industrial house builders.

Keywords
Prefabrication, mass customization, house components, process improvement
National Category
Construction Management
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-75154 (URN)
Conference
19th Conference of the International Group of Lean Construction (IGLC), July 13-15, Lima, Peru
Funder
Formas
Available from: 2012-02-20 Created: 2012-02-17 Last updated: 2012-02-20Bibliographically approved
Bildsten, L. & Guan, W. (2011). The Study of a Kitchen Assembly Process in Industrial Housing. Paper presented at 6th Nordic Conference of Construction Economics and Organization, April 13-15, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The Study of a Kitchen Assembly Process in Industrial Housing
2011 (English)Conference paper, Published paper (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

The kitchen is the heart of the house where people spend much of their time. It is, therefore, an important room that requires high quality. Because construction is argued to be unproductive and wasteful with low quality, studying a kitchen assemblage in detail is of particular interest due to its complexity with many details. In lean, the visualization and transparency of processes is the core for waste reduction and improvement. Low productivity levels are often argued to depend on a lack of information about the root causes of process problems. Thus, more information about the installation process of kitchens by studying the process is needed to target the sources of problems in terms of waste. The purpose of this paper is to gain a further understanding of how value stream mapping can be used to identify different types of waste that occur when acquiring and installing kitchens. Value stream mapping is carried out through observations and interviews at an industrialized timber house manufacturer. Data analysis resulted in information about inconsistencies in the kitchen installation process, i.e. the root causes of costs and delays for the entire housing project.

Keywords
Industrialized housing, waste, kitchen assembly, value stream mapping
National Category
Social Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-67112 (URN)
Conference
6th Nordic Conference of Construction Economics and Organization, April 13-15, Copenhagen, Denmark
Available from: 2011-03-30 Created: 2011-03-30 Last updated: 2011-03-30Bibliographically approved
Bildsten, L. (2011). Towards Partnerships in Industrialized Housing. (Licentiate dissertation). Linköping: Linköping University Electronic Press
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Towards Partnerships in Industrialized Housing
2011 (English)Licentiate thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

The purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyse purchasing strategies and their interdependence with the production process and supplier relationships in industrialized housing. The thesis is a multiple case study of four Swedish industrialized timber-housing manufacturers. The case studies included interviews with top managers concerning purchasing, production and supplier relationships. Production is considered the heart of the company. Therefore, to gain an in-depth knowledge of how production affects purchasing and thus supplier relationships and vice versa, observations were made to study the production process. Many different parts and competences need to be coordinated in the creation of a house. In the West, the construction industry has been heavily criticized for low efficiency and effectiveness. Conclusions from the case studies showed that codevelopment, customization and secure deliveries are regarded highly by industrial house builders and to obtain them, long-term relationships with suppliers are preferred. Industrialized house builders are argued to have more long-term relationships with their suppliers than traditional on-site builders. Industrial house builders choose their suppliers based on the purchased products’ value-in-production rather than price. Product and process innovations created in collaboration with suppliers seem to be a way to enhance the production process of houses. Through the site resource of the factory, industrial house builders have the potential to refine their processes in win-win partnerships with suppliers for a more efficient and effective production of houses, as onsite work is harder to standardize and control.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Linköping: Linköping University Electronic Press, 2011. p. 85
Series
Linköping Studies in Science and Technology. Thesis, ISSN 0280-7971 ; 1479
National Category
Social Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-67114 (URN)LiU-TEK-Lic 2011:18 (Local ID)978-91-7393-177-9 (ISBN)LiU-TEK-Lic 2011:18 (Archive number)LiU-TEK-Lic 2011:18 (OAI)
Presentation
2011-04-05, ACAS, Hus A, Campus Valla, Linköpings universitet, Linköping, 13:15 (English)
Opponent
Supervisors
Available from: 2011-03-30 Created: 2011-03-30 Last updated: 2020-02-03Bibliographically approved
Bildsten, L., Björnfot, A. & Sandberg, E. (2011). Value-driven Purchasing of Kitchen Cabinets in Industrialized Housing. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 16(1), 73-83
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Value-driven Purchasing of Kitchen Cabinets in Industrialized Housing
2011 (English)In: Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, ISSN 1366-4387, Vol. 16, no 1, p. 73-83Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose - This article hypothesises that value-driven purchasing of customized kitchen cabinets is more profitable than market-driven purchasing in industrialized housing construction. The hypothesis is examined through a case study of kitchen carpentry at one of Sweden’s largest producers of industrialized prefabricated multi-storey housing. By comparing characteristics of market-driven vs. value-driven purchasing, this article aims to further clarify the benefits and drawbacks of these two strategies.

Design/methodology/approach - A theoretical framework is proposed by comparing characteristics of market-driven vs. value-driven purchasing that clarifies the benefits and drawbacks of these two strategies. An explorative case study of kitchen carpentry at a house manufacturer illustrates purchasing of kitchen cabinets in the industrialized housing industry in relation to the proposed framework.

Findings – According to the case study, from a value perspective, a long-term relationship with a dedicated local, smaller supplier is a preferable choice over a short-term bulk supplier, even if the short-term supplier has (much) lower prices.

Research limitations/implications – This is a single-case study that should be verified by further empirical work of a test-delivery from the local sub-system manufacturer. Such a study would provide more insights into this area of work and make it possible to thoroughly evaluate potential risks. The indicative results in this paper can be made conclusive through quantification of the proposed Lean purchasing characteristics.

Originality/value – A comparison of value-driven and market-driven purchasing is carried out in theory and applied to a real case study that brings new perspectives to purchasing. In this way, the article proposes alternative purchasing strategies to the construction industry.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2011
Keywords
Lean purchasing, prefabrication, purchasing strategies, supply chain management
National Category
Social Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-67110 (URN)10.1108/13664381111116106 (DOI)
Available from: 2011-03-30 Created: 2011-03-30 Last updated: 2021-12-29Bibliographically approved
Bildsten, L., Rehme, J. & Brege, S. (2010). Applying the Krajlic-model to the Construction sector - the case of a prefab housing factory. In: Charles Egbu (Ed.), Proceedings 26th Annual ARCOM Conference. Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 2010, Vol. 2. Paper presented at 26th Annual ARCOM Conference, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 6-8 September 2010, Leeds, UK. (pp. 1029-1037).
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Applying the Krajlic-model to the Construction sector - the case of a prefab housing factory
2010 (English)In: Proceedings 26th Annual ARCOM Conference. Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 2010, Vol. 2 / [ed] Charles Egbu, 2010, p. 1029-1037Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

The purchasing strategies in the construction industry have been considered by many writers in construction management as short-term and arms-length. However, a different picture is portrayed in the manufacturing industry, where the purchasing strategies are mostly long-term to secure supply for production. Industrialized building is at the crossroad between construction and manufacturing, which raises the question of what purchasing strategies are applied. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the Kraljic model (1983) can be applied in an industrialized housing factory. The purchasing strategies were studied through interviews with the CEO of a timber housing manufacturer in northern Sweden. Industrialized housing manufacturers can take advantage of standardized construction systems and secure production flows that eliminate waste and improve quality. Evidence proves that long-term relationships similar to those in the manufacturing industry also exist in the construction industry regarding factory production. The analysis of these strategies suggests that the total product offer, including logistic services, plays an important role in choosing supplier.

Keywords
construction materials, industrialized housing, purchasing strategies
National Category
Other Mechanical Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-62602 (URN)978-0-9552390-4-5 (ISBN)
Conference
26th Annual ARCOM Conference, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 6-8 September 2010, Leeds, UK.
Projects
Lean Wood Engineering
Available from: 2010-11-30 Created: 2010-11-30 Last updated: 2013-03-21
Bildsten, L., Björnfot, A. & Sandberg, E. (2010). Value-driven vs Market-driven Purchasing of Kitchen Cabinets. In: Conference Proceeding 18th annual conference of the International Group for Lean Construction. Paper presented at The 18th annual conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, July 14th – 16th, Haifa, Israel.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Value-driven vs Market-driven Purchasing of Kitchen Cabinets
2010 (English)In: Conference Proceeding 18th annual conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, 2010Conference paper, Published paper (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

In economic and management literature, the relationship between supplier and buyer can be more or less intimate. It can vary from market-driven with a constant change of suppliers to a value-driven relationship with one sole supplier. Purchasing strategies of construction companies have often been described as short-sighted, where price is the most considered aspect. Recent lean management literature promote value-driven purchasing, since it provides benefits such as just-in-time delivery, zero defects and customized products through close technical collaboration. This article hypothesises that value-driven purchasing of customized kitchen cabinets is more profitable than market-driven purchasing in industrialized housing construction. The hypothesis is examined through a case study of kitchen carpentry at one of Sweden’s largest producers of industrialized prefabricated multi-storey housing. By comparing characteristics of market-driven vs. value-driven purchasing, this article aims to further clarify the benefits and drawbacks of these two strategies. At the case company, kitchens are ordered cabinet-by-cabinet and then installed inside the factory. The company is considering the possibility of a long-term relationship with a smaller local supplier that can deliver a new kind of innovative kitchen cabinet solution that is prefabricated. If the local supplier can meet the expectations of just-in-time delivery, zero defects and a product “tailor-made” for the housing company, there is much to gain.

Keywords
lean purchasing, prefabrication, purchasing strategies, supply chain management
National Category
Engineering and Technology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-62603 (URN)
Conference
The 18th annual conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, July 14th – 16th, Haifa, Israel
Projects
Lean Wood Engineering
Available from: 2010-11-30 Created: 2010-11-30 Last updated: 2021-12-29
Bildsten, L., Bjornfot, A. & Sandberg, E. (2010). Value-driven vs. market-driven purchasing of kitchen cabinets in Challenging Lean Construction Thinking: What Do We Think and What Do We Know?. In: Challenging Lean Construction Thinking: What Do We Think and What Do We Know? - 18th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 18: . Paper presented at 18th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, Haifa, Israel from July 14th – 16th, 2010 (pp. 202-211).
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Value-driven vs. market-driven purchasing of kitchen cabinets in Challenging Lean Construction Thinking: What Do We Think and What Do We Know?
2010 (English)In: Challenging Lean Construction Thinking: What Do We Think and What Do We Know? - 18th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 18, 2010, p. 202-211Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

In economic and management literature, the relationship between supplier and buyer can be more or less intimate. It can vary from market-driven with a constant change of suppliers to a value-driven relationship with one sole supplier. Purchasing strategies of construction companies have often been described as short-sighted, where price is the most considered aspect. Recent lean management literature promote value-driven purchasing, since it provides benefits such as just-in-time delivery, zero defects and customized products through close technical collaboration. This article hypothesises that value-driven purchasing of customized kitchen cabinets is more profitable than market-driven purchasing in industrialized housing construction. The hypothesis is examined through a case study of kitchen carpentry at one of Swedens largest producers of industrialized prefabricated multi-storey housing. By comparing characteristics of market-driven vs. value-driven purchasing, this article aims to further clarify the benefits and drawbacks of these two strategies. At the case company, kitchens are ordered cabinet-by-cabinet and then installed inside the factory. The company is considering the possibility of a long-term relationship with a smaller local supplier that can deliver a new kind of innovative kitchen cabinet solution that is prefabricated. If the local supplier can meet the expectations of just-in-time delivery, zero defects and a product tailor-made for the housing company, there is much to gain.

Series
Challenging Lean Construction Thinking: What Do We Think and What Do We Know? - 18th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 18
Keywords
Lean purchasing; Prefabrication; Purchasing strategies; Supply chain management
National Category
Engineering and Technology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-101164 (URN)
Conference
18th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, Haifa, Israel from July 14th – 16th, 2010
Available from: 2013-11-20 Created: 2013-11-19 Last updated: 2021-12-29
Bildsten, L. & Guan, W.Innovative House Components to Decrease Complexity.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Innovative House Components to Decrease Complexity
(English)Manuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

The specific topic of innovation in construction has only recently been given as much attention as in many other sectors. In the realms of lean production, much literature points out that the peculiarities of production in the construction industry lead to variability and thus waste and low performance levels with respect to productivity and value to clients. Innovative component solutions could possibly decrease the variability and complexity and therefore solve these issues. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate some potential areas where innovative house components could possibility decrease construction complexity and create a leaner construction process. A case study was conducted to collect data from bathrooms and kitchen installations at a house construction company. The impact of this research may have commercial value for suppliers, since they often are the drivers of innovation. The social impact of the research is to highlight problem areas that can enhance the final product for endcustomers. Enhanced system design may also contribute to greater production efficiency and reduced waste, leading to a lower impact on the environment.

Keywords
Innovation, construction, process improvement, customer value
National Category
Social Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-67113 (URN)
Available from: 2011-03-30 Created: 2011-03-30 Last updated: 2011-03-30Bibliographically approved
Bildsten, L., Rehme, J. & Brege, S.Purchasing Strategies in Industrialized Housing: a Multiple Case Study.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Purchasing Strategies in Industrialized Housing: a Multiple Case Study
(English)Manuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Many writers in construction management have been considered purchasing strategies in the construction industry as short-term and arms-length. However, a different picture is portrayed in the manufacturing industry, where purchasing strategies are often long-term to secure supply for production. Industrialized building is at crossroads between construction and manufacturing, which raises the question of what purchasing strategies are applied. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the Kraljic model (1983) can be applied in industrialized housing. The purchasing strategies were studied through interviews with three top managers at three different timber-housing manufacturers in northern Sweden. Industrialized housing manufacturers can take advantage of standardized construction systems and secure production flows that eliminate waste and improve quality. Evidence proves that long-term relationships similar to those in the manufacturing industry also exist in the construction industry regarding factory production. An analysis of these strategies suggests that the total product offer in terms of customization, including logistic services, plays an important role in choosing a supplier to satisfy the needs of efficient production. A new model is developed regarding the effectiveness of the purchasing strategies on the production process, where products are classified according to value-in-production instead of their monetary value.

Keywords
Construction materials, industrialized housing, purchasing strategies
National Category
Social Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-67111 (URN)
Available from: 2011-03-30 Created: 2011-03-30 Last updated: 2011-08-24
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