Babalola, H I and Aliu, J O (2026) Lean construction practices for enhancing project delivery in the construction industry: Examining the beneficial outcomes. International Journal of Construction Management, 26(6), pp. 1097-1111. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
The increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective construction methods has heightened interest in lean construction practices. This study investigates the benefits of lean construction for improving project delivery in Ondo State, Nigeria. A quantitative research design was employed, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 153 registered construction professionals in the built environment. Descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to analyze the data, alongside the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis H test to compare respondent opinions. The top five benefits of lean construction were identified through descriptive analysis. EFA grouped the benefits into three clusters: (1) workforce productivity and stakeholder collaboration, (2) process optimization and competitive advantage and (3) cost and time efficiency in project delivery. This study provides empirical insight into the specific advantages of lean construction in the Ondo State context. While lean construction has been widely examined globally, this research addresses the unique conditions of Nigeria's southwestern region, contributing valuable local perspectives. The findings enhance understanding of how lean practices can address regional challenges and support improved project outcomes, adding to the global discourse on lean construction in developing countries.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | competitive advantage; construction management; construction practices; lean construction; process optimization; project delivery; stakeholder collaboration; workflow efficiency |
| Index terms: | statistics, construction industry, project delivery, construction professional, built environment, productivity, Nigeria, project outcome, competitive advantage, efficiency, quantitative research, workflow, collaboration, time efficiency, questionnaire, construction method, developing country, exploratory factor analysis, lean construction |
| Subjects: | mathematical modelling, data collection methods, project delivery, data analysis and analytics, performance management, management, professional development, statistical analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, industry analysis, project completion, development economics, Geography, building construction, market analysis |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Procurement, Project Management, Geographical Context, Organizational Design, Site Management, International Construction, Urban Studies, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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