Rasanjali, W A; Mendis, A P K D; Perera, B A K S and Disaratna, V (2024) Implementing enterprise resource planning for lean waste minimisation: Challenges and proposed strategies. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 13(2), pp. 330-353. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: In a conventional sense, information technology has frequently been considered a source of Lean waste management. However, as the corporate world evolves, new models that provide a competitive edge by merging technical breakthroughs with the Lean paradigm must be developed. Enterprise resource planning (ERP), which is such technological advancement, is found to be highly influential for Lean implementation. However, there is a dearth of literature on the adaptability of ERP to minimise Lean waste in the construction industry. This paper, therefore, aims to investigate the possibility of applying ERP to minimise Lean waste in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a qualitative approach, consisting of fifteen (15) expert interviews and code-based content analysis was used to analyse the empirical data. Findings: The findings revealed the challenges faced when applying ERP with the Lean concept and the strategies that would help overcome the challenges. Most of the challenges could be overcome through training and awareness programmes and proper team management. The study also found that ERP could be applied with Lean to eliminate waste generation in the construction industry. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the theory by providing an evaluation of the possibility of adopting ERP to eliminate Lean waste in the construction industry. The study will contribute to new knowledge related to strategies for proper use of ERP for Lean waste minimisation, which will be useful for future researchers in the area.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | challenges; enterprise resource planning; ERP and lean; lean concept; minimising construction waste; strategies |
| Index terms: | information technology, waste management, adaptability, methodology, programme, team management, strategy, content analysis, minimization, interview, construction waste, implementation, construction industry, paradigm, waste generation, qualitative approach, enterprise resource planning |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, user focus, waste management, environmental impact, computing systems, practitioner, data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements, management, education and knowledge transfer, algorithms, research methods, project controls, computer science, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Procurement, Sustainability, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy, Time Control, Design Practice, Digital Applications |
| 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