Challenges for lean construction adoption in the Brazilian industry: a study in construction companies, universities and class organizations

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the current level of knowledge about lean construction (LC) practices in construction companies, universities and class organizations in Brazil and identify the barriers to implementing LC in the Brazilian construction industry and prioritize them through comparison with global challenges. Design/methodology/approach This multiple case study was carried out through a questionnaire answered by 56 construction companies, 15 universities and 10 professional associations. The questionnaire evaluation allowed the authors to determine the level of knowledge about the LC, its adoption and barriers to its adoption in the Brazilian industry. The results were statistically analyzed using the weighted average (MIS) of results using the Kruskal–Wallis test, which compares sample distribution among groups, and Cronbach’s alpha test to measure the questionnaire reliability. Findings This study points to universities as the main ones responsible for the low adoption of LC in Brazil and points to the need for an integrated action among construction companies, universities and class organizations to overcome the traditional project management culture and raise the level of knowledge about LC. Originality/value This study evaluated the current LC situation in an emerging country, Brazil, and compared it with the principal international challenges observed in studies of other developing countries – China, India, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Singapore – least developed countries – Bangladesh and Nigeria – and developed country – UK. These studies evaluated construction companies located in the listed countries. Based on that, 22 international challenges were established for the LC adoption. Additionally, this research also evaluated universities and working-class organizations in addition to construction companies. This addition can contribute to a better result understanding that can be explored by Brazil and other countries.

A Systematic Review on Enhancement in Quality of Life through Digitalization in the Construction Industry

“…Not only in the execution phase, but digitalization is also in all other phases of construction projects, providing further ease to construction parties [19,20]. This sector has changed tremendously in the past few years [21][22][23]; though significant reforms are not evenly distributed around the globe [24][25][26], they are leaving a remarkable impact where they have arrived [27,28]. In the construction industry, digital transformation requires a variety of technologies [29,30].…”