Development of a Commitment Management System for Construction Projects

Abstract

A relevant problem in the construction sector is low productivity due to the high variability and uncertainty of projects, which makes it necessary to increase efficiency through better project planning and control. The last planner system (LPS) has proven to increase planning reliability; however, improving the management of commitments in weekly planning meetings is necessary. Therefore, the objective of this research is to develop a commitment management system (CMS) using the fundamental elements of the linguistic action perspective (LAP) in synergy with the LPS. Design science research (DSR) was used to develop the CMS through three iterations (artifacts) that were applied in construction projects in Chile and Colombia. To evaluate and validate the artifact, the following two approaches were used: (1) internal, conducted by the research team through reflections on each artifact and its consequences, and (2) external, through quantitative and qualitative results. The main results led to the development of a pioneering system of commitment management in construction projects, which proved to be a practical contribution when implemented, showing positive results in participants’ statements, CMS indicators, LPS indicators, and performance (time deviation). Additionally, in terms of theoretical contributions, the CMS allows reinforcing the LPS with the incorporation of specific LAP fundamentals in construction projects through a (1) system containing indicators to measure and control the management of commitments, (2) flowchart of specific commitments for construction projects, and (3) six-phase implementation plan to be replicated. The main conclusions regarding the CMS are that it allows to: (1) manage commitments by focusing on the foreman (or supervisor), (2) implement a plan that allows replication of this system, (3) improve trust and teamwork based on participants’ statements, and (4) improve performance in time deviation of construction projects.