Lean Thinking in the Construction Industry: The Case of Villa Projects
K. Mohanasundaram and S. Ananth
Alliance University, Bangalore, India
Volume 12: 2018, pp. 133-150; ABSTRACT
Lean construction is a concept which includes the essential features such as a clear set of objectives for the delivery process, and aiming at maximizing performances for the customer throughout the life of the project from design to delivery. The emerging concept of lean construction is concerned with the application of lean thinking to the construction industry. The objectives of this pilot study in India were to explore the sources of waste in the construction industry and ways to minimize it. An exploratory research method of investigation was utilized. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted among site engineers, general foreman and procurement professionals on issues relating to waste in a Villa construction site and on the awareness on lean concepts. The data collected revealed that there is an association between the knowledge on lean concepts and lean construction techniques, and a significant difference between the levels of complexity among different projects. A factor analysis of the data revealed that the seven major factors to minimize waste were: continuous improvement, material and activity, standardization, customer focus, transparency, risk assessment and productivity. Students reading this case research will learn about lean construction and its application to residential Villa construction projects with a focus on minimizing waste.
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