Rethinking lean synergistically in practice for construction industry improvements
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 12 April 2022
Issue publication date: 15 August 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Lean construction is widely known as a theory or methodology of organizational management, while seldom been studied as a solution for industry improvements through practice. This paper explores the practical role of lean for construction industry improvements beyond its theoretical inspirations by empirically examining the industry understanding and practice with the case of Hong Kong.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was designed as a mixed-method study by combining a critical literature review, semi-structured interviews with relevant professionals, and a follow-up research workshop that includes eight focus group discussions over two break-out sessions with Hong Kong construction stakeholders.
Findings
The research results indicate a low awareness of the term “lean construction” in use, but its principles were implicitly embedded in relevant practices and techniques, particularly building information modeling (BIM), low or zero carbon building (L/ZCB), and prefabrication and modular construction. Practitioners perceived wide-ranging benefits of lean for construction industry improvements but were reluctant to pioneer its adoption and concerned the multi-level challenges.
Originality/value
The paper provides a new practical perspective to rethink lean for construction industry improvements through its synergies with emerging practices, i.e. BIM and ICT, L/ZCB and sustainability, and prefabrication and modular construction.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by The University of Hong Kong through the Seed Funding for Applied Research (201309160046). Also acknowledged are the collaboration with, and support from, the many organizations and individuals who contributed their time and knowledge for this research.
Citation
Pan, W. and Pan, M. (2023), "Rethinking lean synergistically in practice for construction industry improvements", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 30 No. 7, pp. 2669-2690. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-04-2021-0346
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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