Aslam, M (2021) Optimizing selection and implementation protocols of lean construction tools and techniques for rapid initial successes. PhD thesis, North Dakota State University, USA.
Abstract
Lean construction (LC) has been considered as one of the most promising project management philosophies to overcome low productivity and excessive waste issues impacting the construction industry. Despite strong philosophies and some successful implementations, the uptake of LC in the construction industry is very low due to convoluted implementing strategies. Specifically, the construction industry lacks effective evaluation criteria, selection framework, and integrated applications of LC principles, tools, and techniques. Moreover, there is a strong need for a practical framework and associated validation process for LC implementation. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to optimize the selection and implementation protocols of LC tools and techniques for rapid initial successes. The methodology used for this research includes (1) a systematic literature review (SLR), (2) an initial survey of LC practitioners, (3) development of selection and implementation frameworks, and (4) framework validation survey and analysis. Uniquely, interpretative structural modeling (ISM) was used to develop the initial LC implementation framework and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for framework modification and validation. As a result of the study, an effective selection framework has been developed with recommended LC tools and techniques to achieve integrated LC. The study has also identified critical factors for rapid initial LC project success and developed a robust LC implementation framework and an innovative integrated Last Planner System (ILPS). The validated LC implementation framework can predict approximately 65% of the variance in the project outcomes based on eight performance outcome measures. The major contribution of this study is that the construction industry can efficiently select and implement LC tools and techniques allowing them to significantly reduce waste and improve project performance. Additionally, the well-structured validation process developed in this study has been proven efficient and valid and therefore can be used widely for other research in the future.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Gao, Z J and Smith, G |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | lean construction; productivity; project success; project performance |
| Index terms: | project outcome, construction industry, systematic literature review, project performance, critical factor, strategy, practitioner, structural equation modelling, structural modelling, philosophy, project success, validation, implementation, last planner system, methodology, productivity, performance outcome, lean construction, project management, variance, survey |
| Subjects: | practitioner, analytical methods, project completion, professional development, research methods, building construction, philosophical studies, value management, contractual arrangements, measurement and scaling, statistical analysis, project controls, management, risk assessment, data collection methods, research evaluation and metrics, project management theory and practice, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Time Control, Engineering Principles, Procurement, Business Strategy, Project Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Information Management, Risk Management, 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