Quantitative Framework for Measuring Effectiveness of Big Room

Abstract

Benefits derived from the conduct of Big Room are well established. At present, the lean practitioners have been focusing on tapping the potential of this technique by systematizing the processes associated with implementation of Big Room. But there has been no quantifiable metrics to measure the same. In this context, this paper reports a study undertaken to develop and implement Big Room Effectiveness Index (BREI) that assesses effectiveness of Big Room. This research study adopted action research approach in the context of an Indian real estate developer. A core group within this developer was formed to steer the initiative of BREI. Based on literature review and interactions within core group, 10 measures for assessing effectiveness of Big Room were identified, which are grouped under four categories: collaboration, look-ahead planning, knowledge building and tools used, and continuous improvement. The framework was codified with some flexibility to provide inputs like parameter weightages and rating of these parameters. The developed BREI was implemented in an ongoing real estate project. The BREI was plotted on a monthly basis and it provided valuable input to participants involved in the Big Room meetings and suggested areas of improvements.

Renovating Healthcare Facility Maintenance Planning: A Case Study From Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC)

“…However, measuring the effectiveness of these approaches has been mostly anecdotal to date with the exception of the recently created Big Room Effectiveness Index (Joshi et. al., 2020).…”

“…al., 2020). The BREI is "a quantitative framework used to assess the effectiveness of collaboration planning in a Big Room" (Joshi et al, 2020). The index ranks performance within four categories: (1) Collaboration, (2) Look Ahead Planning, (3) Knowledge Building and Tools Used, and (4) Continuous Improvement (Joshi et al, 2020).…”

“…The BREI is "a quantitative framework used to assess the effectiveness of collaboration planning in a Big Room" (Joshi et al, 2020). The index ranks performance within four categories: (1) Collaboration, (2) Look Ahead Planning, (3) Knowledge Building and Tools Used, and (4) Continuous Improvement (Joshi et al, 2020). Within these categories are 10 distinct measurable parameters that are weighted based on importance to the successful execution of the Big Room concept, with collaboration weighted the highest (Joshi et al, 2020).…”

“…The index ranks performance within four categories: (1) Collaboration, (2) Look Ahead Planning, (3) Knowledge Building and Tools Used, and (4) Continuous Improvement (Joshi et al, 2020). Within these categories are 10 distinct measurable parameters that are weighted based on importance to the successful execution of the Big Room concept, with collaboration weighted the highest (Joshi et al, 2020). Since the BREI attempts to measure collaboration using quantitative, objective measures such as commitments kept in the last month and number of training modules conducted last month, it lacks the ability to measure the sentiment of the participants.…”

“…The value of lean management techniques, such as the Big Room, is undisputed in the health facility design and construction process (Alves et al, 2017; Joshi et al, 2020; Temel et al, 2019). However, measuring the effectiveness of these approaches has been mostly anecdotal to date with the exception of the recently created Big Room Effectiveness Index (Joshi et. al., 2020).…”