Management Strategies, Project Teams, and Value Added Using Lean Project Delivery for Sustainable, Reliable, and Effective Construction

Abstract

Lean construction enhances the value proposition for project owners and stakeholders by eliminating waste and non-valued-added activities. Lean is a philosophy and culture adopted from companies like Toyota Production Systems and the manufacturing industry. The construction industry has distinctive differences which require interdisciplinary, collaborative, and labor-intensive work practices, the Lean project delivery process has been found to improve the overall construction management process and constructability of a project as a way for the owner to get a project delivered on time, within budget, while meeting quality and safety standards established for the project. Various studies have researched principles, elements, processes, flows, activities, and tools used in project delivery for construction projects, yet little research has been conducted synthesizing the effective strategies that make Lean an attractive option for project owners and stakeholders utilizing these approaches to manage their projects. The authors used a qualitative approach to conduct the research through meta-analysis to summarize existing statistics and literature to conclude and identify effective construction management practices, project team associations, and value-added strategies used within the Lean project delivery method for the built environment. Considering the research and case studies, some of the most effective practices used by owners, engineers, and contractors in construction using the Lean project delivery included waste removal, last planner, and pull planning for contract development and management. Project management strategies that effectively used Lean approaches included integration, value stream mapping, early contractor involvement, and continuous improvement. It seems that the Lean project delivery system lends itself to review management practices, project team processes, and the value added with the delivery system.