Lean enabled material procurement process to minimize disputes in expressway construction projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Expressway construction projects in Sri Lanka are facing numerous disputes during the material procurement process. These disputes arise from various causes, including largely number of uncontrollable factors such as inflation and weather conditions; behavioural factors such as lack of transparency and political interference; resource- related issues such as supplier constraints, inventory control practices, and material shortages; as well as documentation-related shortcomings. Therefore, this study aims to develop a lean enabling framework to minimize disputes in material procurement process of expressway construction projects in Sri Lanka. The research based on a mixed-methods approach, beginning with a comprehensive literature review to establish the theoretical foundation. Primary data has collected through a questionnaire survey with 96 industry professionals, with sample validity ensured through saturation techniques, and supplemented by semi-structured interviews with 10 experts who were part of the Central Expressway project. Quantitative data has analysed using the relative importance index (RII) to identify and prioritize identified (11) disputes and (15) causes for disputes in the material procurement process. Whereas qualitative data underwent through content analysis. The study reveals how lean principals can address identified causes for disputes, while giving the link between causes and disputes related to material procurement in expressway construction. Findings demonstrate that lean implementation in materials procurement process in expressway projects provides multiple benefits to all the stakeholders of the projects. Based on these insights, the research develops a comprehensive framework that integrates lean strategies to minimize the disputes in the material procurement process of Expressway construction project. The developed framework provides actionable guidance for industry professionals, offering a structured approach to dispute minimization in Sri Lankan infrastructure sector. The study makes significant contributions to both academic knowledge and practical application, presenting a framework for improving procurement processes in expressway projects, with potential adaptability to similar emerging economies challenges.