Public defence in Building Technology, M. Sc. Christopher Görsch

Title of the thesis: Learning to See Flow - A Worker-centric Exploration Towards Task Planning and Control in Construction

Doctoral student: Christopher Görsch
Opponent: Prof. Carlos Torres Formoso, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Custos: Prof. Olli Seppänen, Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering

Task Planning and Control: A New Approach to Construction Management Unlocking Efficiency in Construction This doctoral thesis investigates the practices and perspectives of construction workers in managing operations flow through task planning and control (TP&C).

 The research aims to enhance task performance and operational efficiency in the construction industry by understanding how workers perceive operations flow and identifying supportive TP&C aspects. The study highlights that workers often self-coordinate activities due to a lack of detailed planning and task-relevant information. This leads to highly fragmented operations flow, with frequent disturbances caused by unmanaged preconditions. Workers engage in TP&C activities out of necessity, often resulting in wasteful movements and non-productive time. 

Key findings reveal that better integration of workers' perspectives into the planning process can significantly enhance task performance and reduce inefficiencies. The study introduces a novel method for analyzing operations flow based on disturbance analysis and worker movement patterns. Recommendations include using technology, such as mobile workstations and location tracking, to minimize disturbances and improve situational awareness. It also emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in construction management, focusing on proactive and detailed planning involving frontline workers. 

The implications for the industry are clear: integrating workers into the planning process early on can enhance constructability and on-site logistics. Digital visual management tools and real-time tracking systems can improve situational awareness and reduce disturbances. Tracking worker movement helps identify and mitigate sources of waste, leading to more efficient task execution. 

The study advocates for a systemic change in construction operations, urging general contractors and project owners to create environments that foster better TP&C behavior. By actively supporting workers with timely and relevant information, the industry can achieve smoother, more productive workflows. In conclusion, this thesis highlights the critical need for the construction industry to adopt new practices and technologies that support workers' TP&C activities, reducing operational disturbances and improving task performance. Further research is encouraged to validate these findings in various contexts and ensure their broad applicability.

Key words: construction operations management, production planning & control, production flow, task planning & control, operations flow, worker-centric decision-making

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/

Contact information: Christopher Görsch, [email protected], tel: +358504118924

Doctoral theses of the School of Engineering: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/49