Ramani, P V and Ksd, L K L (2021) Application of lean in construction using value stream mapping. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(1), pp. 216-228. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Lean construction is a technique that aims at reducing waste in construction and maximizing productivity. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effectiveness of Lean technique in managing construction projects. Design/methodology/approach: A case study of structural steel erection project was chosen where the value stream mapping lean tool is applied and the possible improvement in productivity was observed. The current state of the activities in the erection process was mapped first which was followed by preparing the Future State Map of the activities after eliminating the non-value adding tasks. Findings: The modifications from Future State Map were carried out at the project and the results exhibited a substantial increase in productivity by reducing the project duration by 13 days which is about 30 per cent savings from the expected completion time after the implementation of Lean technique. Originality/value: Traditionally lean concept has been widely used in process-oriented manufacturing industry whereas it is relatively new to the project-oriented construction industry. This current research has focused on applying lean tool to a real time construction project at the site level and measuring its outcome practically. The results of this study are real and affirm the effectiveness of applying lean concept to construction projects. It will be major paradigm shift in terms of managing construction projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction; construction site; management; productivity; project management |
| Index terms: | case study, savings, value stream mapping, productivity, effectiveness, paradigm, real time, project management, implementation, duration, construction industry, lean construction, manufacturing industry, construction site, completion time, construction project, methodology |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, business, contractual arrangements, economic analysis, work location, production management, project management theory and practice, management, education and knowledge transfer, research methods, performance management, industry analysis, project controls, building construction |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Site Management, Time Control, Business Strategy, Project Management, Research Practice, Procurement |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here