Fernando, M H V; Costa, D D; Malsha Nadeetharu, B K and Kulatunga, U (2024) Application of lean principles for building refurbishment projects in Sri Lanka. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 14(2), pp. 244-259. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the lean principles and the challenges of building refurbishment. To have an in-depth investigation of the application of lean principles to address the challenges of refurbishment projects, ten expert interviews following a qualitative research approach were utilised in this research. Data were analysed using manual content analysis to derive the framework. Design/methodology/approach: The refurbishment of buildings has attracted the attention of the present construction industry. However, uncertain project characteristics, information deficiency, limited space for construction activities and less stakeholder involvement make it complex. Since the lean concept effectively deals with complex and uncertain projects, this study focusses to investigate the application of lean principles to overcome the challenges of refurbishment projects in Sri Lanka by developing a framework. Findings: It was found that the five main lean principles of customer value, value stream, value flow, pull and perfection are appropriate for building refurbishment projects in Sri Lanka. Precise identification of clients and end-users, value adding and non-value adding activities, interruptions and stakeholder communication chains, setting scope, examining the possible technologies and taking measures to deliver the exact product to ensure the successful application of lean principles for refurbishment projects. Further, 27 benefits of five lean principles were identified which can be used to address the 13 identified challenges of building refurbishment of projects. Finally, a framework has developed portraying the application of lean principles in building refurbishment. Practical implications: The framework developed is beneficial for the building refurbishment project team to address the barriers of refurbishment projects by applying lean principles. Originality/value: This framework can be used as a guideline for the implementation of building refurbishment projects by addressing their challenges with lean principles.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | benefits; building; challenges; lean principles; refurbishment projects; sustainable construction; waste |
| Index terms: | qualitative research, methodology, value stream, investigation, Sri Lanka, implementation, stakeholder involvement, construction industry, refurbishment project, project team, stakeholder communication, interview, sustainable construction, content analysis, literature review, building refurbishment, construction activity |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, business, research design and methodology, participation process, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, construction operations, project delivery, Geography, professional development, sustainable construction, infrastructure engineering, research methods, industry analysis, asset management |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Stakeholder Management, Procurement, Sustainability, Value 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