Ankomah, E N; Ayarkwa, J and Agyekum, K (2020) Status of lean construction implementation among small and medium building contractors (SMBCs) in Ghana. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 18(6), pp. 1691-1709. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to ascertain the extent to which the practices of small and medium building contractors (SMBCs) conform to lean construction (LC) principles. Ultimately, practical results encourage a discourse on the true potentials and challenges to the holistic uptake of LC principles in the Ghanaian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: This research is based on a qualitative case study approach. The data was obtained through face-to-face structured interviews. Findings: Across the cases, it was realized that there is a low-level application of LC principles among SMBCs. There was no indication that lean concepts were used on a company-wide basis in the Ghanaian construction industry. Furthermore, the study revealed that the traditional wasteful approach to managing construction projects was still prevalent among the firms. Practical implications: This paper uses the 4P model as a foundation for assessing the extent to which the practices of SMBCs conform to LC principles. Practically, the study also created a certain level of awareness among the SMBCs about LC, LC principles and the benefits of the application of these principles within organizations. Originality/value: This study contributes to the body of knowledge as it uncovers the status of LC implementation among SMBCs in the Ghanaian construction industry. The findings that are presented in this paper can be used as a starting point to disseminate the research and practice of LC among SMBCs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | lean construction; process improvement; small and medium building contractors; value |
| Index terms: | case study, building contractor, Ghana, implementation, construction industry, process improvement, lean construction, interview, face, methodology, construction project, body of knowledge |
| Subjects: | practitioner, data collection methods, contractual arrangements, knowledge management, psychology, production management, Geography, management, research methods, industry analysis, building construction |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Project Management, Roles and Professions, Procurement, Site Management, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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