Lean readiness factors for construction organizations

Abstract

Application of the principles of the “Toyota Production Systems” and the advancements such as lean management systems for the construction projects are very beneficial. Implementation of lean systems in any organization is a journey of transformation that requires an intrinsic recognition of the need and commitment towards improvement, driven with passion by the top management, changes to existing organizational cultures and practices before it can be implemented. Studies have been documented that more than 90% of the organizations fail in their journey of lean implementation and a majority of the organizations have failed to sustain the implementation and reap the benefits thereon. Research has been conducted in SMEs and manufacturing, healthcare & emergency, humanitarian & higher education domains to identify a set of conditions/practices which indicate the state of readiness of organizations to embrace the lean journey. Currently, no studies exist which have investigated the aspect of lean readiness of construction organizations. The present study has identified the lean readiness factors for construction organizations covering all the phases of construction projects, through literature review and experts’ opinions. The factors identified form the basis for the design of the framework which shall benefit construction organizations immensely for sustainable lean transformation.