Enhancing Construction Project Workflow Reliability through Observe-Plan-Do-Check-React Cycle: A Bridge Project Case Study

This research aims to determine the appropriate level of effort required for each step of the Observe-Plan-Do-Check-React (OPDCA) cycle to improve the workflow reliability of a construction project. Empirical data on detailed weekly meeting minutes over 18 weeks and the planned and actual starting and finish times of 475 activities were collected from a bridge construction case project. The information theory approach was utilized to measure the information gained from discussions pertaining to the OPDCA cycle during weekly planning meetings. Cooperative game theory and the Shapley notation of fairness were used to compute the contribution of each OPDCA step to workflow reliability. Results showed that Observe, Plan, Do, Check, and reAct, contributed 18%, 23%, 23%, 24%, and 12% to observed variations in workflow reliability measured by the percent plan complete (PPC). Also, findings revealed that synergy exists between the Check step and other steps in the OPDCA cycle. The methodology developed in this paper has potential implications for engineering managers. The method can be generalized to help project managers find the balance between planning and control efforts to improve workflow. It also provides proven techniques for continuous improvement during project execution to facilitate project success. Furthermore, at the organizational level, the developed method can help higher-level managers make informed investment decisions for employees' training and development to improve performance in future projects.

Automated summary

This research aims to determine the appropriate level of effort for each step of the OPDCA cycle in order to improve the workflow reliability of construction projects. Empirical data from a bridge construction project was collected and analyzed to measure the contribution of each OPDCA step to workflow reliability. The results showed that the Observe, Plan, Do, Check, and reAct steps have different contributions to workflow reliability, and there is synergy between the Check step and other steps in the cycle. This methodology has potential implications for engineering managers and can help project managers find a balance between planning and control efforts to improve workflow.