Jones Specialization CME 2021.pdf (2.42 MB)
Addressing specialization and fragmentation: product platform development in construction consultancy firms
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 06:08 authored by Kell Jones, Luigi Mosca, Jennifer Whyte, Andrew DaviesAndrew Davies, Jacqueline GlassConstruction product platforms provide the opportunity to improve productivity in construction projects while maintaining heterogeneity of output. The growing literature on construction product platforms describes how product suppliers develop product platforms either top-down or bottom-up, independently from project delivery. Through a single case study of a consultancy firm, this paper shows how a specialist consultancy firm operating in the construction sector developed their own product platform on projects while iteratively developing and augmenting their delivery capabilities. Distinguishing between activity integration, coordination, and consolidation, the platform development process highlights how vertical and horizontal consolidation of capabilities within the engineering phase of delivery enables early resolution of both product and process specifications. This means that vertical coordination between engineering and manufacturing phases can be managed by a fully specified contract, rather than acquisition. The analysis of the case shows how construction can be more closely aligned with the linear and sequential models found in manufacturing through clarifying and distinguishing the roles of engineering, manufacturing, finishing and sub-assembly.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Construction Management and EconomicsISSN
0144-6193Publisher
Informa UK LimitedExternal DOI
Issue
11-12Volume
40Page range
918-933Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2023-02-02First Open Access (FOA) Date
2023-02-02First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2023-02-02Usage metrics
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