People are at the core of lean implementation more than a set of tools and techniques. Several studies reflect that implementing lean to the construction industry heavily relies on the knowledge and skills of the people and how they respond to changes. Several studies have reflected that building human capacities as one of the most prominent considerations to foster lean concept in construction industry. However, there is a lack of empirical investigation on human capacities and strategies to build human capacities for successful lean construction implementation of large-scale contractors. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the human capacities to be built in order to implement lean concept and propose organisational level strategies to build those capacities in large-scale contractors of Sri Lanka to foster lean construction. A qualitative approach was adopted as the research approach and case study was the selected research strategy. Fifteen respondents from three cases were interviewed to gather in-depth input to the study and collected data were analysed using code-based content analysis with NVivo 12 Software. The study identified positive attitudes, values, commitment, trust, adopt to cultural change, physical fitness, technical skills, and team building as human capacities necessary for unskilled and craft level workers. Positive attitudes, managerial and technical skills, team building, communication skills, knowledge, commitment, social skills and interest in new concepts were recognised as human capacities of administrative and professional and managerial levels. Several strategies that can be used by the contractors to build the above capacities have been summarised into a model. The final model presents the unskilled, craft, administrative, and professional & managerial level human capacities to be built by large scale contractors and strategies to be used for building those capacities to foster lean in construction industry.

With the rising impact of technological advancements within all sectors, there is an increase in interest among construction industry practitioners to integrate novel technologies collaborated with concepts. Lean is one such concept, which has received growing attention of construction companies. However, past researchers have identified many barriers for successful lean implementation in global construction context, where, technological approaches seem to be a success factor. Many experts have identified Internet of Things (IoT) as an enabler for the lean implementation in construction, which is undoubtedly lacking in the Sri Lankan context. Hence, this paper aims to investigate the drivers and barriers for using IoT for successful lean implementation in Sri Lankan construction industry. Seven semi structured interviews with experts in IoT and lean construction were conducted under the qualitative approach for data collection to achieve the research aim. Findings highlighted increased product and process quality; reduced unnecessary delays in construction process; reduced unnecessary costs; enhanced inventory management system; and increased site safety as key drivers, whereas, expensive devises and high cost of implementation; resistance to change; lack of internet coverage, IT facilities and compatibility issues; difficulties to adapt due to lack of knowledge and skills; security and privacy issues; and lack of innovative culture were identified as key barriers of using IoT for successful lean implementation in Sri Lankan construction industry. Findings revealed the several similarities in drivers and barriers of using IoT for lean construction implementation both in global and Sri Lankan context.

The construction industry is labour intensive, and hence, skill development of the industry would yield both economic and social returns to the national economy. Among other occupational categories, plant and equipment (P&E) operators in the construction industry have significant importance since the skills and competencies of P&E operators are necessary to be well equipped to serve the higher demand and technological trends. Nevertheless, the available research in the said area is limited. Hence, this study aims to analyse the skill gaps of P&E operators in the perspective of construction professionals in Sri Lankan building construction projects. The study analysed the level of importance and level of satisfaction of P&E operators in the perspective of construction professionals. The research was designed with a quantitative research approach with a questionnaire survey administered among construction professionals with a response rate of 73%. The quantitative analysis depicted that maintenance skills of P&E operators have the highest level of satisfaction by construction professionals with more than 3.77 of mean weighted rating (MWR) and importance with over 3.87 of MWR in the industry. The smartness of handling machines and teamwork were identified as the next two essential and satisfied skills of P&E operators in each category. Out of sixteen skills identified, analytical, mechanical, innovative, and interpersonal skills show a slight skills gap among different categories of P&E operators. Compared to other skills, IT received less importance under each P & E category. Furthermore, the study has concluded the skill gaps in the categories of P&E operators in the Sri Lankan building construction industry. Having identified the gaps, the paper provides the means of measurement to present, which are the most identifiable skills gap of P&E operators in the building construction projects. Propose strategies to enhance the skills of P&E operators to overcome existing issues in the Sri Lankan building construction industry and investigate the skill gap of P&E operators in infrastructure projects can be highlighted as further research areas.