Applying the 5 WHYs to Identify Root Causes to Non-completions in On-Site Construction

Abstract

In on-site production, mass-customized subproducts are assembled through standardized processes. The production is pushing mass customization to the edge by producing unique and complex products. Due to the project structure, it has proven difficult to avoid repetitions of problems and to learn from mistakes. A central part of the control framework Last Planner System is to identify not completed activities to identify root causes and to learn. One tool to investigate root causes is the 5 WHYs approach. The 5 WHYs approach has been applied in a case study research to analysis the root cause to not completed activities. In total, 17 non-completed activities were registered and analyzed. To reduce non-completions, the risks each activity is carrying should be analyzed and understood, the product should be followed to identify problems early and to reveal time for intervention, and finally, communication on-site should be strengthened.