Unit 1: Variation in Production Systems

This introductory course in the Lean Construction Education Program is a half-day, instructor-led course teaching the concept of variation.
Following the 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
This half-day, instructor-led course explains the concept of pull as a means to reliable production workflow.
Following the 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 This course 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
This course 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, instructor-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
  • Calculate, track and analyze percent plan complete for a project
Unit 5: Lean Supply Chain and Assembly
This course 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 level supply chain
  • List examples of process improvements to the lean supply chain
  • Expand lean beyond the individual project
  • Create a value stream map to diagnose and improve the supply chain
Unit 6: Lean Design and Pre-Construction
This half-day, instructor-led course 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
This seven-hour, instructor-led course 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