Bajjou, M S and Chafi, A (2018) Lean construction implementation in the Moroccan construction industry: Awareness, benefits and barriers. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(4), pp. 533-556. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: Lean construction provides innovative practices to manage construction projects while reducing waste and improving performance. This paper aims to explore the current level of awareness of lean construction practices among Moroccan construction professionals to assess the potential benefits derived from lean construction practices and to identify the critical barriers hindering a successful implementation. Design/methodology/approach: The paper opted for a quantitative approach by using a structured questionnaire survey. A total of 330 valid responses were collected from Moroccan construction practitioners involved in private and public construction organisations. Findings: The results show that 61 per cent of the respondents are familiar with lean construction practices. The findings have also pointed out that the lean construction approach adds a positive impact, specifically on quality, safety and environmental level. In addition, the main barriers hindering a successful lean construction deployment in Morocco are lack of knowledge about lean construction philosophy, unskilled human resources and insufficient financial resources. Originality/value: This study provides a new insight into the implementation of lean construction in Morocco. It contributes to the body of knowledge, as it uncovers for the first time the level of awareness, the potential benefits derived from lean construction practices and the barriers to implementing lean construction in the Moroccan construction industry. Exploring the current state of lean construction implementation can help practitioners, companies and researchers in the Moroccan construction industry to focus their effort and resources on the significant issues necessary to assist a successful implementation of lean construction. Furthermore, the findings of this study could prove valuable to other countries in Africa, especially those sharing similarities to the Moroccan context.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | awareness; barriers; benefits; lean construction; Morocco; survey |
| Index terms: | body of knowledge, practitioner, questionnaire, methodology, human resource, construction project, survey, philosophy, construction practitioner, Morocco, lean construction, construction industry, implementation, construction professional, public construction, Africa |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, practitioner, contractual arrangements, knowledge management, regions and continents, management, research methods, Geography, production management, professional development, building construction, philosophical studies, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Geographical Context, Project Management, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Procurement, Roles and Professions, Human Resources, Site Management |
| 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