Readiness Factors for Sustainable Lean Transformation of Construction Organizations

Despite significant research and development on lean construction over the last two decades, cases of sustained lean transformation are few. Readiness for lean transformation is considered an essential requirement. Several studies have been conducted to identify lean readiness factors and develop assessment frameworks in other sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceutical, emergency, higher education, etc., but none in construction. The main objective of this study is to identify the lean readiness factors for the successful lean transformation of construction organizations. Mixed methods of research have been adopted. Factors initially identified from the literature in other sectors and lean construction were further validated by a large team of lean experts. Seventy-three factors were identified, and a questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the critical lean readiness factors for construction organizations. One hundred and two responses were collected from expert lean practitioners and academicians from all over the world. The factors were ranked based on the Importance Index (II). Reliability analysis and ANOVA tests have been conducted. Support from top management, the process of understanding customer requirements, emphasis on team-working, critical data analysis, and constraint removal were found to be the top-ranked lean readiness factors. The study opens up new research directions in lean readiness evaluation and ensures sustained lean transformation of construction organizations.

Automated summary

Despite extensive research and development in lean construction, sustained lean transformation remains uncommon. This study aims to identify the factors necessary for successful lean transformation in construction organizations. Utilizing a mixed methods approach, 73 factors were initially identified and then validated by a team of lean experts. These factors were ranked based on importance, with support from top management, understanding customer requirements, team-working emphasis, critical data analysis, and constraint removal identified as the top-ranking lean readiness factors. This study opens up new research directions for evaluating lean readiness and ensuring the sustained lean transformation of construction organizations.