DIGITALIZATION OF LEAN LEARNING SIMULATIONS: TEACHING LEAN PRINCIPLES AND LAST PLANNER® SYSTEM

Abstract

Lean simulations are an effective way to learn Lean principles and experience the impact on process optimization. However, to date, in construction these have mostly been conducted physically on site or in the office. As digital solutions for collaboration and teaching are increasingly developed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lean simulations also need to evolve by being decentralized from the project team and driven by digitalization. This paper examines the adaptation and creation of Lean simulations that can be run on a digital platform that supports interactions between multiple participants in real time. Specifically, two simulations were created through a three-phase iterative development. The first simulation focuses on Lean principles and the second on the Last Planner® System. To evaluate the developed digital simulations, feedback was collected from the participants through questionnaires. It can be noted that all rating results were in the upper range. Research objectives were achieved: The evaluation of the technology, the fun and the design indicate that the participants can successfully interact with each other via the chosen digital platform. It also proved that digital simulations offer high flexibility, integration of technology with low costs and effort as well as a high level of sustainability.