IML technology used in excellence model developed by Salford University
IML technology used in excellence model developed by Salford University
Keywords: Construction industry, Facilities management, Research,Computers
Salford University is using Liphook-based specialist IML Ltd's interactive technology to obtain feedback for its Structured Process Improvement for Construction Enterprises (SPICE) initiative, a government-funded research project to develop a business excellence model specifically for the construction and facilities management industries.
SPICE is a two-year project funded by the Department of Environment Transport Region (DETR). It was developed in response to reports – Constructing the Team by Sir Michael Latham, and Sir John Egan's Report, July 1998 –urging the sectors to improve productivity and deliver consistent quality. Successful implementers of the model have reported productivity gains,improvements in quality, reduced defects and a significant return on investment.
The model was developed by a research team at Salford University, who used IML's Question Wizard software to incorporate interactive questions that would enable them to obtain and analyse the data swiftly.
"Using IML's system we have been able to run two workshops of up to 30 people in five to six hours. Previously it would have taken four days to stage the interviews and mark and analyse the questionnaires", commented Richard Haigh, a research assistant on the project.
"The interactive handsets also promote discussion as well as capturing the views of the interviewees. They are anonymous – which is significant when we are interviewing both senior management and their staff. Peer pressure can play a big part in distorting responses, so this is a very important element."
He continued: "There is also the novelty factor. People like using the equipment. It is fun and easy to use, and the respondents enjoy pushing the buttons and seeing their votes logged."
IML's technology comprises 30 interactive handsets and Question Wizard,question authoring software. This is an easy-to-use system that runs in conjunction with presentation systems such as Microsoft PowerPoint. The model was developed using the authoring software, with interviewees logging their votes on the handsets. Participants can vote with a "yes/no" response,or provide numeric values of 1-9.
Data from the handsets is automatically relayed into the central PC system,and the responses are collated and displayed on the PC screen immediately. IML's software instantly calculates the values based on the model's matrix. Complex analysis can be undertaken at the touch of a button, and the data can be printed, stored or exported to other Microsoft applications, such as Access databases or Excel spreadsheets.
"IML's technology has played a crucial role in the SPICE project",said Richard Haigh. "It has enabled us to collect and analyse data in a fraction of the time, and of course it is 100 per cent accurate. It has certainly added to the success of this initiative", he concluded.
Background to SPICE
Funded by the DETR, the SPICE project initially focused on the construction industry. The second phase of the project – SPICE FM – applies the same principles to the facilities management sector and is due for completion in September 2001.
Recent construction sector reports (see above) have urged the industry to improve productivity and deliver consistent quality. However, the industry does not have a recognised methodology or framework on which to base a process improvement initiative. SPICE is a current research project looking to address these issues by developing an evolutionary step-wise process improvement framework.
Key process areas include: brief/scope of work; project planning; project tracking and monitoring; health and safety management; sub-contract management;project change control; risk management and project team co-ordination.
Background to IML
Formed in 1991, IML has pioneered both hardware and software for interactive communications. These systems, which allow for instant response and feedback from an unlimited number of participants on-site or via the Internet, have applications for corporate communications, training and development, product and service launches, promotional projects, research and voting.
Further information from Sylvia Ewing, IML Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1428 727476 or Angelina Arturi, Arturi PR. Tel: +44 (0) 118 951 9510.
Edited by Jenny Pickles MCB University Press
The editor welcomes details of new initiatives worldwide. Please e-mail jpickles@mcb.co.uk or mail to: Jenny Pickles, New Developments Section Editor, Facilities, MCB University Press, 60/62 Toller Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD8 9BY, UK.
