The Implementation of Lean Construction Tools: Findings from a Qualitative Study

Abstract

Lean construction (LC) is a continuous improvement mechanism that is proficient in reducing construction waste. This LC mechanism is suggested in resolving the issue of construction waste to the industry. LC is proficient in increasing the contractor’s project performance. LC can help an organisation in sustaining its growth and profit. This survey was conducted to identify the LC tools that can reduce the construction waste and its implications towards a contractor’s project performance. A qualitative study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with four key personnel from the selected G7 contractors in Malaysia. The contractors, which are registered with the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), were identified from the CIDB directory. It was found that repair work, equipment breakdown, and damaged material were the most types of construction waste being created on the construction site. Clarification needs and work interruptions were among the wastes generated on the site too. The findings revealed that daily hurdles meetings, teamwork, and 5S are the LC tools being applied the most by the contractor in reducing the construction waste. Most of the projects that implemented these LC tools had produced a higher quality project and maintained the safety and health environment throughout the construction processes. An organisation had also achieved zero accidents and gained 12 % of cost reduction for their project. The findings outlined in this paper could be essential for the future framework of LC tools that can handle construction waste in an environmentally sustainable way. The framework could also increase the contractor’s project performance towards a greener environment.