Lean Construction Education Program

Unit 1: Variation in Production Systems is an introductory course in the Lean Construction Education Program. This half-day, instructor-led course teaches the concept of variation. Following this course, you will be able to:

• Define the different types of variation
• Explain the concept of throughput
• Distinguish the concepts of throughput and work in progress
• Describe the role of variation in production operations
• List sources of variation in construction settings
• Explain variation mitigation techniques
• Contrast variation mitigation techniques

Unit 2: Pull in Production is a half-day, instructor-led course that explains the concept of pull as a means to reliable production workflow. Following this course, you will be able to:

• Compare batch-and-queue and continuous-flow production systems
• Distinguish push systems from pull systems
• Describe the impact of pull on production systems
• Explain pull strategies in construction operations 

Unit 3: Lean Workstructuring is the first of two units that introduces the Last Planner® System (LPS). This system was developed by the Lean Construction Institute (LCI) to plan projects in a way that produces predictable workflow and rapid learning. This half-day, instructor-led course describes the process of Lean Workstructuring. Following this course, you will be able to:

• Apply the methods and tools utilized in pull planning
• Describe the concept of Lean Workstructuring
• Outline the desired outcomes of Lean Workstructuring
• Describe the characteristics and application of the Last Planner® System 

Unit 4: The Last Planner® System is the second of two units introducing the Last Planner® System (LPS). This system was developed by the Lean Construction Institute (LCI) to plan projects in a way that produces predictable workflow and rapid learning. This half-day, facilitator-led course shows how to conduct make-ready and weekly work planning sessions. Following this course, you will be able to:

• Apply the Last Planner System on a project;
• Hold make-ready and weekly work planning sessions; and
• Calculate, track and analyze percent plan complete for a project 

Unit 5: Lean Supply Chain and Assembly is a one-day, instructor-led course that explains the concept of lean supply chain and assembly. Following this course, you will be able to:

• Differentiate between traditional procurement practices and lean supply chain applications;
• Identify waste and value-adding activities within the supply chain and assembly;
• Evaluate the impact of using lean supply chain on waste elimination, continuous flow and site operations pull;
• Identify strategies needed at the project and company levels to support the lean supply chain;
• List examples of process improvements to the lean supply chain;
• Expand lean beyond the individual project; and
• Create a value stream map to diagnose and improve the supply chain. 

Unit 6: Lean Design and Pre-construction is a half-day, instructor-led course that explains the concepts of value-based management, lean in the design process and relational contracting. Following this course, you will be able to:

• Distinguish between the varying definitions for design.
• Define value and commonly used methods to maximize it.
• Discuss waste and commonly used methods to minimize it.
• Differentiate between traditional project methods and lean design.
• Explain the various lean tools used in design and how to deploy them. 

Unit 7: Problem-solving Principles and Tools is a seven hour, instructor-led course that describes the Lean Problem Solving Process and illustrates how to use tools to solve problems in a lean manner. Following this course, you will be able to:

• Define the difference between traditional and lean problem solving.
• Describe how to create a team environment to solve problems.
• Explain how to create trust to avoid problems.
• Describe Observation Walks.
• Identify root causes of problems.