Kifokeris, D and Tezel, A (2025) Blockchain and lean construction: An exploration of bidirectional synergies and interactions. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 21(1), pp. 171-189. ISSN 1745-2007
Abstract
Blockchain is a form of digital distributed ledger, referring to databases decentralized across numerous users, facilitating peer-to-peer transactions by eliminating or reducing the need for intermediaries to conduct, validate, or authenticate them. It is characterized by transparency, data immutability and traceability, and consensus processes validating cryptographic signatures. The architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry is increasingly interested in blockchain. Lean construction (LC), a value-focused production management concept, has long been challenging conventional project management practices in AECO. Lack of conversation, however, surrounds whether and how blockchain can (or should) impact LC developments and vice versa. And, if that impact exists, is it significant enough to create value for the related stakeholders? This article offers a conceptual synergistic framework of interactions between blockchain and LC, which can facilitate an understanding on whether there is value in their combined use. A systematic literature review and analysis serve as the foundation of this research. The findings show that LC can be facilitated by blockchain through trust building for relational procurement, data recording for some key activities (e.g. offsite construction, Last Planner System), and streamlining some non-value activities (e.g. payments). In return, blockchain can gain relevance for project management practices when it is defined and implemented in a LC framework. Also, LC can help improve blockchain-related workflows and decision making.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | blockchain; distributed ledger technology; framework; lean construction; synergy |
| Index terms: | transparency, blockchain, trust-building, systematic literature review, interaction, streamlining, project management practice, database, workflow, lean construction, intermediary, decision-making, traceability, exploration, synergy, production management, last planner system |
| Subjects: | partnership management, environmental resource management, decision analysis, project delivery, building construction, business, professional development, supplier oversight, psychology, research evaluation and metrics, project management theory and practice, behavioral psychology, computing systems, data management, management, project controls |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Digital Applications, Site Management, Supply Chain Management, Risk Management, Information Management, Organizational Design, Project Management, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Time Control |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
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