This publication presents five perspectives on phase shifts in the construction process as a basis for discussion on how the parties in the construction industry can improve the management of the critical transitions between project phases, where knowledge and value are often lost.
2011
19
The parties in the construction industry point to phase shifts as the Achilles’ heel of the building process, where much knowledge and value is lost.
Phase shifts mark the transitions in the process, where the construction project changes form – from ideas and concepts in the programming phase, to drawings and specifications in the design phase, to the physical product in the execution phase.
Exactly what happens in a phase shift is difficult to define, but in general many significant parameters change character: groups of actors are replaced, new tasks arise, and the project’s focus shifts. This ambiguity raises a number of questions about how we handle a process that is hard to define.
With this publication, Værdibyg aims to spark debate about phase shifts as a decisive part of the construction process. Through five different perspectives on phase shifts, it invites discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to managing these critical transitions.
Summary
The publication is a discussion paper that, through five different perspectives, sheds light on how phase shifts can be understood and managed. From “The Passage”, where the project must be made robust enough to survive without contact between groups of actors, to “The Film Production”, where new actors bring creativity and flexibility. Each approach has its strengths and weaknesses, and the publication encourages critical reflection on how phase shifts can best be organized in each project.
The publication contains:
- A starting point for debate on the challenges of phase shifts
- An introduction to the history and development of the phase model
- A description of the role of phase shifts in the construction process
- Five perspectives on phase shifts with their pros and cons
- Quotes from practitioners about their experiences
Facts about this publication
The publication is published by Værdibyg with financial support from the organizations behind Værdibyg and Realdania
Who is the publication aimed at?
The publication is aimed at everyone working with construction processes: clients, architects, consultants, and contractors. It is especially relevant for those involved in process and project management, as well as those responsible for organizing and leading phase shifts. Educational institutions and organizations within the construction sector will also find the publication relevant as a basis for debate.
What you get from the publication
The publication gives you insights into the critical transitions between a project’s phases and tools to handle them professionally. You will learn about the logic and history of the phase model and be introduced to five different perspectives on how phase shifts can be approached in practice.
Background
In the construction process, phase shifts mark critical transitions where the project changes character and new actors take over responsibility. Despite the central importance of phase shifts, there is limited explicit knowledge about what actually happens during these transitions. The result is often that valuable knowledge is lost, intentions are misunderstood, and the project loses momentum.
The lack of focus on phase shifts represents one of the biggest barriers to improving the construction process. Without conscious management of these transitions, the industry risks continuing to repeat the same mistakes and waste resources due to poor transfer of knowledge between phases.
Involved practitioners and editors
The preparation has been accompanied by the following knowledge group
Anne Beim (Kunstakademiets Arkitektskole/CinArk)
Sten Bonke (DTU Management)
Kristian Kreiner (CBS)
Lennie Clausen (Realdania)
Christian Koch (HiH)
Henrik Bang (Bygherreforeningen)
Per Anker Jensen (CFM)
Mikkel Thomassen (Smith Innovation)
Kim Haugbølle (SBi)
In addition, a number of interviews have been conducted with the following practitioners
Graves Simonsen (SBS)
Gunnar Friborg (bips)
Ib Steen Olsen (DTU Management)
Sven Bertelsen (Strategisk Rådgivning)
Knud Erik Busk (Kuben Byg)
Lars Fuhr Pedersen (MT Højgaard)
Niels Christian Toppenberg (Bascon)
Pia Wiberg (Witraz)
Author
Nina Koch (Værdibyg)