Key parameters of lean construction maturity: a Delphi study

Abstract

Lean construction has emerged as a transformative force, seeking to enhance efficiency, minimise waste, and streamline project delivery processes. Despite global recognition and adoption, lean construction maturation exhibits variances across diverse contexts. In Sri Lanka, lean construction remains at an early stage of development. Given the nation's challenges in the construction sector and evolving project management methodologies, Sri Lanka offers a distinctive setting for exploring the maturity of lean construction principles. However, insufficient methods of investigating lean construction maturity in the Sri Lankan context have led to limited adoption of lean practices within the construction sector. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relevant parameters for assessing lean construction maturity in the context of Sri Lanka. Adopting an interpretive stance, the study employed a qualitative research approach with semi-structured interviews using the Delphi technique. A total of 25 lean construction experts were selected through purposive sampling and 73 interviews were conducted in three Delphi rounds. Findings revealed 18 key lean construction parameters and definitions were developed conforming to Sri Lankan context. The study provides actionable insights for practitioners including identifying relevant lean practices and guidance on lean implementation, enabling them to enhance practices, improve efficiency, reduce waste, and make informed decisions through tailored initiatives and strategies. This study enhances the global understanding of lean construction maturity by identifying lean construction parameters conforming to Sri Lanka, contributing to the existing theory and filling a literature gap.