Medium-term planning considering the roles of the Last Planner System in production strategy and management

Abstract

Although the Last Planner System (LPS) has often been studied as a method for production planning and control, specific characteristics of the construction sector require planning and control processes to assume broader, more systemic roles that normally fall under the concept of production strategy. Based on this understanding, this paper draws on an appropriate theoretical framework to examine the full range of LPS roles within both production strategy and production management. We argue for enhancing Medium-Term Planning (MTP) through practices that support the LPS at these two levels. Using Design Science Research procedures, the study identifies the main barriers that prevent the Medium-Term Planning process from fully supporting LPS roles. The literature review and empirical evidence allowed the development of a new MTP process model, designed not only to integrate planning levels but to align actions across company sectors. In doing so, the model helps establish the LPS as a genuine source of competitive advantage, which enables the production function to lead other functional areas.