The Impact of Lean Construction Tools on the Reduction of Contractor-related Causes of Delay in Sri Lankan Construction Industry

Abstract

Though lean construction is abundantly used in other countries, it is an underrated concept when it comes to Sri Lanka. Past research studies collectively demonstrate that construction industry in Sri Lankan is lagging in the effective implementation of lean in construction processes. Demonstrating the effectiveness of the lean construction tools to mitigate causes of delay will be a future research concern. Since, delays are still taking place within Sri Lanka, it is crucial to look at how lean construction tools can affect to reduce construction delays. This paper aims to identify the impact of Lean Construction Tools (5S, Last Planner System, Visual Management, First Run Studies) on reduction of Contractor related causes of delay. This was met by utilizing a mixed research methodology, which includes both the gathering of quantitative data through a questionnaire survey and the gathering of qualitative data by conducting semi-structured interviews with construction industry specialists. SPSS software was used to analyze data collected from the questionnaire survey, and content analysis was used to examine data obtained from the semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that implementation of Lean Construction Tools can lead to reduction of Contractor related causes of delay. Further, it was disclosed that 5S is the Lean Tool that has the highest impact on reduction of Contractor related delays. Findings have also revealed that lack of awareness about Lean Construction is the most critical challenge for successful implementation of Lean Construction Tools within Sri Lanka. The results depict that in order to overcome this barrier awareness on Lean Construction must be enhanced among construction industry professionals.