Integration of lean kaizen model to enhance material efficiency in construction projects: a literature review

Abstract

The construction industry, being a major consumer of materials, has increasingly prioritised optimising resource usage, thereby highlighting the importance of Material Efficiency (ME). Meanwhile, lean construction has emerged, promoting value maximisation and waste minimisation, with the Kaizen technique gaining attention for enhancing processes and reducing waste. This study aims to investigate the applicability of the Kaizen model to enhance the ME in construction projects. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, with the content analysis approach employed to analyse the data. The findings indicate that Kaizen can effectively address ME challenges in the construction sector by overcoming associated barriers. Key challenges to ME include a lack of training and awareness, high costs, excessive regulations, and inadequate technological integration, which can be mitigated through Kaizen techniques such as Poka-Yoke, Gemba walks, Jidoka, and 5S. Furthermore, integrating Kaizen with ME is hindered by cultural barriers, insufficient training and involvement, and limited resource availability. To address these challenges, the study recommends implementing industry-wide training and awareness initiatives, strengthening collaboration among project stakeholders, and introducing government incentives and regulatory support for projects prioritising ME and Kaizen practices. This research contributes to theoretical knowledge by bridging the gap in integrating Kaizen to enhance ME in construction and provides practical insights for facilitating its effective adoption through the mitigation of identified barriers.