Lost in transition: the transfer of lean manufacturing to construction

Abstract

Purpose -The objective is to explore the transfer of lean manufacturing/production from the Japanese manufacturing industry to the construction sector in the west. Design/methodology/approach -Research literature from the fields of lean manufacturing/production and lean construction was reviewed. This revealed a number of characteristics that are specific to lean construction, most notably the recognition that critical research findings have been slow to emerge but appear to be gaining momentum. Findings -In the transition from manufacturing to construction the process losses appear to be related to critical aspects and the challenges surrounding practical application to a different context. Lean is highly interpretive and there is no shared definition or understanding of what is meant by lean, lean production, and lean construction. The focus has been mainly on production system design, planning and management, and implementation. This narrow focus has meant that some important issues concerning the wider aspects of lean have been overlooked. There is a need for a 'back to basics' discussion on many other aspects of the approach, such as whole-life value and waste identification. Research limitations/implications -The work is limited to an extensive literature review. Originality/value -The extensive literature review makes an original contribution to the lean construction field and provides a valuable resource for researchers.

Sustainable construction management in education sector

“…It is basic that these forthcoming professionals are set up to manage the provisioning and upkeep of the fabricated condition and settle on choices for a more maintainable future [6]. This moulding of these youthful personalities relies upon the mindfulness, information, abilities and qualities they get amid their essential time of concentrate in the college [13] [14] stressed that "foundations of higher education are vital spots of generation, propagation and dissemination of information". These foundations all-inclusive perceive that they have a one of a kind obligation towards the objective of accomplishing sustainability and have received practices and course educational program to this end.…”

Key Benefits of Adopting Lean Manufacturing Principles in Indian Construction Industry

“…5S execution brings about better housekeeping and in this way better visual work environment is seen in the association [11] [12]. 5S usage likewise guarantees more secure workplace [13].…”

“…The execution of 5S has a prompt and huge impact on the arrangement of exercises in the work post, in this manner affecting the execution of the process in the dissected organization. [11] took a shot at the usage of 5S on the plastic trim industry. 5S is utilized as a part of the small industry and furthermore demonstrated the points of interest and advantages of 5S execution.…”

“…This paper investigates not only the impact of lean manufacturing and 5S implementation but also the influence of the implementation method based on the type of industry. [4], [7], [12], [22], [24]- [26], [27], [28] Reduction in lead time, reduction in work in process (WIP), reduction in Waste, continuous improvement [11], [29]- [33] Reduction in operating cost, Late delivery, and Space constraints, Enhance productivity, space utilization, and value for money [2], [3], [5], [6], [8], [9], [14], [20], [23], [34]- [42] Inventory control, Customer service, improves quality, improved communication, and reduce cycle time…”

Applying Lean principles to a building refurbishment project: experiences of key stakeholders

“…In this respect proponents of Lean construction are accused of operating from the 'high ground' of theoretical abstraction without consideration of the 'swampy lowland' of human affairs and their implications. Jorgensen and Emmitt (2008) paraphrase the criticisms, summarizing that 'in the transition of Lean from manufacturing to construction the process losses appear to be related mainly to the critical aspects and the challenges surrounding the practical application in a different context' (p. 393). The research findings suggest that the successful implementation of Lean in refurbishment projects is more likely if the focus goes beyond the abstract (i.e.…”