Visual management in industrial construction : a case study

Visual Management (VM) is a distinctive communication strategy that is frequently
observed at lean work settings to varying degrees. It relies on the effectiveness of
visual communication and catchy visual systems to create visual communication for
different managerial purposes. VM in construction has generally been discussed
within a building construction context to date.
This paper investigates the VM realisation means (visual tools) and attributes in
the construction process of a very large industrial facility, which mainly involves
mechanical and electrical construction works. A VM research on the construction site
of an industrial facility will help address a gap in the field and extend the
understanding of the VM applications in a different construction context other than
the building construction/renovation.
The research question of how VM is realized in the industrial construction context
was investigated through the case study research method. One of the biggest
subcontractors of a very large gas-processing facility was studied in terms of their
VM approach and applications. Interviews, site observation and photographic
documentation are the main data collection methods. New VM application
opportunities in pipe spool fabrication and crane management were identified. Some
industrial construction specific visual systems, VM application attributes for
industrial constructions, managerial insights and future application directions were
also captured and presented.