Ruwanpura, U D R E; Perera, B A K S and Ranadewa, T (2025) Lean tools used in administrative processes across sectors: a systematic review and insights for the construction industry. Construction Innovation, 25(4), pp. 1287-1314. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: Administrative processes play a crucial role in various sectors, often contributing to cost overruns and delays. While lean concept has been extensively applied in many industries, there is a recognized need for further research on the integration of lean in administrative processes. To address this research gap, this study aims to systematically analyse the implementation of lean in administrative processes, providing a sector-wise comparison to explore its prospects for the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted by adapting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method. Eighty-six research papers are subjected to descriptive and content analysis on different tools applied in lean integrated administrative processes in health care, education, public administration and other sectors. Findings: The research study reveals common lean tools irrespective of sector. Moreover, specific tools used for a particular sector are analysed. Out of the various lean tools and techniques, value stream mapping, 5S and Kaizen are highly acknowledged tools in every sector of lean intervention. Furthermore, ECRS is applied explicitly in the education sector. Furthermore, it is noted that Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers (SIPOC), 5whys, load levelling and control charts are identical to administrative processes in lean health care. Furthermore, Spaghetti charts and Kaikaku are only adapted to administrative processes in the public administration sector, and causal loop diagrams are used explicitly in administrative processes in the construction sector. Originality/value: This study contributes to research by developing a guideline to design lean intervention for a lean-integrated administrative process in any sector which still needs to be transformed into lean. Hence, this study will be a cornerstone for incorporating lean principles for administrative processes in construction sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | administrative process; lean; lean tool; prisma; sector |
| Index terms: | integration, methodology, construction sector, cost overrun, meta-analysis, research paper, implementation, value stream mapping, content analysis, health care, construction industry, systematic literature review |
| Subjects: | research methods, data analysis and analytics, business, financial and cost management, public and environmental health, contractual arrangements, organizational analysis, industry analysis, research evaluation and metrics, research dissemination and communication |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Cost Management, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Procurement, Information 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