Participating in LCI

Why participate in LCI?

Because the Lean Construction Institute (LCI) is making a difference in the way projects are managed! LCI members have the best opportunity to learn about these new concepts and techniques and to participate in their development and implementation. LCI is a think tank dedicated to developing and disseminating innovations in the design and management of project-based production systems. This means changing the way work is done in all phases of a project, from applying new approaches to planning and control to the use of cross functional teams and nD modeling in project definition and design. We believe LCI offers the best new thinking, principles, and techniques for managing projects and we can see the impact of these ideas in practice today. Our approach is at once theoretical and practical. Theoretical because our research rests on and reinforces solid foundations, the physics of production and commitment. This allows us to test, try, fail and succeed in ways that lead to new learning. Practical because we apply these emerging ideas where it matters – on real projects with real people.

Competitive advantage in an improved industry is the primary long-term member benefit for LCI members. All members receive discounts on seminars, workshops and research meetings, receive the Lean Construction Journal quarterly, may use LCI copyrighted materials, and can participate in research. Corporate members, International Affiliates and Consulting organizations licensed to provide Lean Construction training and consulting members are listed on the LCI website.

Joining LCI can be the first step in transforming your organization. Taking action now is essential for you to develop a leading position. Fitting new ideas and approaches to your own organization and participating in the continuing conversation with leading thinkers and implementers will keep you out in front as the industry changes.

Just what is LCI?

The Lean Construction Institute (LCI) is a division of the Center for Innovation in Project and Production Management, a 501(c )3 not-for-profit corporation.

LCI is funded by revenue raised from member contributions, seminars and contract research. Research efforts fall under three broad topics: The theory of project-based production (a key question here is what we can learn from models of complex, adaptive systems), The Lean Project Delivery System™ (see below), and Implementation of the Lean Project Delivery System™.

LCI is the only construction organization devoted to research and implementation regarding the management of work in project settings. We believe the results of this effort are essential to other organizations trying to improve performance and we work closely with them.

How is LCI different from organizations advocating other improvement approaches?

The construction industry is rich in associations working to improve performance. Some serve as professional homes for the practitioner, others advocate a particular approach, usually involving technology or specific types of organization or contract. LCI is different. We are dedicated to project management; to the design, operation and improvement of project-based production systems. Lean based production is a fundamentally new philosophy; a new “operating system” for the industry. This philosophy transformed manufacturing and has the power to transform construction. Accelerating that change is our job but we cannot do it alone.

We operate as a think tank that cooperates with other organizations and coordinates improvement efforts already underway while continuing basic research. Consider the implications of the research effort aimed at reducing lead time for engineered-to-order components. It requires linking design, supply, fabrication and installation in a production system. Like other research related to Lean Project Delivery, this project is aimed at improving total project performance. This objective demands integration from a variety of perspectives; Technologic - the use of technology for designing and making and for production and contract management; Delivery Process - designing a delivery system that connects design of the project with its delivery process and owner procurement strategy, Organizational & Contractual – aligning interests with system design and commercial contracts. Various organizations already in place are working on these approaches to integration. As a think tank LCI can serve as a resource providing the underlying theory, and as the hub linking these diverse initiatives.

How is LCI Organized?

As a think tank for the construction industry, LCI is structured to work with 6 groups pursuing industry transformation. Each Forum is headed by an industry leader, most of whom are connected to a group already active in the area. What do we expect these groups to do?

Technology Forum
The objective of this group is to identify and develop the technologies needed to more effectively pursue the lean ideal; i.e., deliver projects while maximizing value and minimizing waste. This objective is closely aligned with that of FIATECH, with whom LCI is jointly pursuing an NSF grant.
Academic Forum: Tariq Abdelhamid, Michigan State University.
http://www.msu.edu/user/tariq/Forum.htm
This is LCI’s outreach to the academic community, dedicated to the development and implementation of new knowledge and tools in construction education.
Integrated Project Delivery Forum
The objective of this group is to identify and develop the practices needed to integrate players and processes throughout project delivery.
Owner Forum
The objective of this group is to advance knowledge and practice regarding issues of particular interest to buyers of project delivery services; e.g., development of resources such as labor, safety and health, techniques for contracting for services, financing and insurance.
Supplier Forum
The objective of this group is to apply and develop supply chain management principles and techniques to the construction industry. One example is the initiative to reduce the lead times for engineered-to-order products. If we can identify an existing construction supplier association dedicated to this purpose, we will invite them to work with us.
Implementation Forum: Todd Zabelle, Managing Partner of Strategic Project Solutions
The objective of this group is to develop and apply knowledge regarding the implementation of advanced project management practice in the construction industry. Its membership will consist primarily of consultants dedicated to implementation of lean concepts and techniques, plus experts in relevant areas such as organizational development, social psychology, etc.)

LCI Activities & Events

Research

Innovations develop when concept and practice intersect. New solutions require new thinking: learning arises in reflection on action. Joint exploration carried out by LCI members and researchers is the key to innovation and to developing the habits of reflection and action required for continuous improvement. Member needs and experiences are critical to establishing a successful and beneficial research agenda. Therefore, LCI will always consider new approaches, research projects, and potential products suggested by its members. LCI has an established research agenda to develop tools and techniques to form a complete Lean Delivery System for construction projects. (A portion of the research will be done directly by LCI, and a substantial part will be done by others operating with LCI funding support and assistance.)

LCI may ask members to participate in LCI funded projects or to support research conducted in association with LCI through related universities. More active participation in research is available to companies who have a particular interest or application in mind. Typically, these companies will have already made significant progress implementing the Last Planner™ System of Production Control and see direct value and competitive advantage from participating in research to develop further innovations. Leaders of these leading companies believe that Lean Construction is the key to their continuing competitive advantage and intend to develop the habits of improvement necessary to assure their position. The business strategy of these companies is directly aligned with the LCI research agenda and joint projects are carried out to advance the state of theory and practice. A contract to provide funding for this sort of research will be established between LCI and the participating company.

Research Workshops

Research workshops are offered throughout each year to share new knowledge with members and to refine research questions and methods. Seminar topics are drawn from the elements of the Lean Project Delivery System™: Project Definition, Lean Design, Lean Supply, Lean Assembly, Production Control, and Work Structuring. Meetings on specific topics such as safety, contractual agreements, cost control and implementation approaches are planned for 2003-2004. Workshops combine reports on LCI research findings and projects with focused discussion on the issues and their implementation. These meetings have been described as “the best conversation in the industry.” (See Calendar for coming workshops also posted on this site.)

LCI Research Committee

Research workshops are followed by 1/2 day meetings of the LCI Research Committee, the membership of which is drawn from those organizations participating in LCI research, plus invited subject matter experts.

Implementation Support

Implementation support activities include a web-based question and discussion area to enable members to participate in a continuing dialogue regarding technical and implementation issues. LCI is also working to develop new ways to provide regular coaching for members. LCI staff is available to answer occasional questions and provide incidental coaching.

LCI Materials

LCI seminar and training materials, handbooks, and planning forms are available electronically so member companies can train their own employees as well as people in their supply and demand chains. The Last Planner System™ (LPS) is the trademarked property of LCI. Providing LPS consulting services or training for fee to clients is limited. See Membership Categories below for details.

LCI Journal

The LCI Journal will be published quarterly and made available for download in the Members-Only section on the website. The journal will feature both refereed articles discussing research approaches, findings and theoretical foundations, and less formal reports, case studies and letters from the field. A Want-Ad section will be maintained for people offering jobs or looking for them. Please see the Journal section for specific formatting rules and deadlines. Affiliate members are required to contribute two articles per year. Consulting services members are required to contribute one article per year. We particularly encourage members to contribute stories, cases and examples of lean construction in action.

Members-Only Website Access

LCI provides training materials, forms, technical information, supporting materials and the LCI Journal for members by password in a "members-only" area.

LCI Training

Members pay reduced prices for LCI training. "Introduction to Lean Construction" is a two-day seminar that explains the Lean Project Delivery System™, including production theory, work structuring, Last Planner™ production control, project definition, lean design, lean supply, lean assembly and implementation. The seminar is presented at various locations worldwide. LCI also provides in-house versions of "Introduction to Lean Construction."

The workshop, “Implementing Last Planner™, a two day event, provides the basic materials and instruction necessary to begin implementation. Participants receive a significant package of materials to support their efforts.

Member Categories and Benefits

Corporate - $5,000 per year

Listing on LCI website as Corporate Member and link to member site along with corporate description and contact person.
Access to Members-Only Website for materials, forms, training materials etc.
Permission to use LCI Materials and Last Planner System™ materials for in-house training and on projects.
Reduced fees for LCI Seminars, Workshops and Research Meetings.
The opportunity to benefit from research done by others.

Please download the application for Corporate Membership and return it to LCI with payment. Or contact to establish this level of membership.

Research Sponsor - $15,000

Special Listing as Research Sponsor on LCI website linked to member site along with corporate description and contact person.
Access to Members-Only Website for materials, forms, training materials etc.
Permission to use LCI Materials and Last Planner System™ materials for in-house training and on projects.
Reduced fees for LCI Seminars, Workshops and Research Meetings.
The opportunity to participate in research projects and on the LCI Research Committee.

Please contact to establish this level of membership

Consulting - $5,000 per year

Special listing as Licensed Provider on LCI website linked to member site along with corporate description and contact person.
Access to Members-Only Website for materials, forms, training materials etc.
Permission to use LCI Materials and Last Planner System™ materials for in-house training and on projects.
Reduced fees for LCI Seminars, Workshops and Research Meetings.
The opportunity to participate on research committee and in research.
Permission to use LCI material including Last Planner System™ with consulting clients on condition that the consulting organization or its representative:

Attend LCI presentation of the Introduction to Lean Construction and Implementing Last Planner™.

Have demonstrated competence to provide consulting and training based on LCI materials

Have paid an addition fee equal to the registration fee for the course to be offered.

Agree to use LCI materials without alteration

Please contact to establish this level of membership.

Individual Member - $200 per year.

Listing on LCI website as an Individual Member
Access to Members-Only Website for materials, forms, training materials etc.
Permission to use LCI Materials and Last Planner System™ materials on own projects.
Reduced fees for LCI Seminars, Workshops and Research Meetings.
The opportunity to participate in research.
Sole practitioner consulting companies may also provide Last Planner System™ related consulting and training services on the following conditions:

Attend LCI presentation of the Introduction to Lean Construction and Implementing Last Planner™.

Have demonstrated competence to provide consulting and training based on LCI materials

Have paid an addition fee equal to the registration fee for the course to be offered.

Agree to use LCI materials without alteration.

Please download the application for Individual Member and return it to LCI with payment, or contact to establish this level of membership.

International Affiliate Members

Affiliate members are related research organizations outside the United States. Affiliates pay the annual membership fee and provide two articles per year to the LCI Journal. In addition, special arrangements may be made for LCI to help develop the Affiliate's capabilities as they grow. With adequate notice, members of affiliated organizations may attend each other's meetings and events at member rates.

Please contact to establish this level of membership.

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LCI members, Individual, Corporate, Consultant and Affiliates are finding ways to work together in their common interests and to further improve their performance. In short, supporting and participating in LCI provides member companies with the foundation for a sustainable competitive advantage based on their ability to manage the work itself.