Implementation of lean construction in the construction industry in Bangladesh: awareness, benefits and challenges

Abstract

PurposeConstruction management is enriched in many ways by direct and indirect support of lean construction concept. The objectives of this study are to assess the current level of awareness about lean construction practice, to identify the potential benefits and challenges to implement lean construction in the Bangladeshi construction industry and to prioritize them.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review has been done to design a questionnaire for the survey. The final questionnaire has been designed with 27 lean tools, 41 challenges, and seven benefits of implementing lean principles in the construction industry. A total of 164 valid responses have been collected from Bangladeshi construction practitioners involved in different types of construction organizations. The result has been analyzed by Relative Important Index (RII).FindingsThe findings revealed 41 challenges to implement lean construction with seven benefits in the Bangladeshi construction industry. The result shows that an appreciable number of respondent familiar with the techniques of lean construction but they don't practice. The findings have also pointed out that the lean construction approach adds a positive impact especially on quality, safety, cost, productivity, and environmental level. The top-ranked challenges to implementing lean construction are: lack of awareness and skill, poor management, traditional culture and attitude of employees, inadequate resources and equipment and nonuse of modern techniques and technologies.Originality/valueThis study reveals real scenario of lean construction in Bangladesh. It contributes to the body of knowledge, as it uncovers for the first time the awareness level, benefits and challenges to implement lean construction with reference to the social, economic and cultural context of Bangladesh. Exploring the findings, the study could help the stakeholders, construction firms, academician, researchers and government to focus their effort and resources on the significantly appropriate issues. Again, the study may be beneficial to developing countries especially in South Asia which share the same socio-economic status with Bangladesh.

Major Barriers Assessment of Lean Construction Application in Construction Projects Delivery

“…Organizational and employees' culture and the complexity of the construction processes make it difficult for construction organizations to reap the full benefits of LC. Attitudinal issues regarding new techniques are well document in literature (Shakil Ahmed et al, 2020;Shakil Ahmed & Sobuz, 2019). The culture was found among the key issues that impede the implementation of the lean concept on construction projects (Bayhan et al, 2019).…”

“…Bashir et al, 2015;Moradlou & Perera, 2017;Movaghar, 2016;Oguntona et al, 2019;Oke et al, 2021;S. Sarhan & Fox, 2013) The adoption level of modern technologies that accelerate construction work and enhance communication is low, and this impedes the communication of LC techniques (Shakil Ahmed et al, 2020). Lack of the basic skills and knowledge on how to use modern technological tools like BIM is a challenge that impacts the successful application of lean principles (J.…”

“…Proper engagement of project stakeholders and good working relationships are a panacea for effective information sharing and smooth workings toward the delivery of construction projects. Ahmed et al (2020) found that stakeholders' communication and relationships are challenges that need to be overcome in the implementation of LC.…”

“…It was recommended that more effort and focus should towards overcoming barriers such as; traditional culture and practice, stakeholder's communication and relationship, quality materials and methods, technological and performance, and knowledge barriers. Similarly, a separate study by Ahmed et al (2020) in Bangladeshi, found that the major challenges to LC are lack of awareness and skill, poor management, traditional culture and attitude of employees, inadequate resources and equipment, and non-use of modern techniques and technologies.…”

Fuzzy TOPSIS Application to Rank Determinants of Employee Retention in Construction Companies: South Korean Case

“…Unlike other industries, construction is a project-oriented [7] and highly fragmented industry [8]. Construction projects are naturally complex and are subject to a multitude of random internal (i.e., human resources) and external factors (i.e., political and economic Sustainability 2021, 13, 5787 2 of 16 factors) [9].…”