Short answer
To successfully implement lean construction, focus on phased adoption, stakeholder education, and demonstrating the long-term cost benefits over initial perceived expenses.
- Field
- Commercial Production
- Source
- Construction Innovation (2018)
- Method
- Mixed-methods (literature review and survey)
- Sample
- 282 participants
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The implementation of lean construction principles in the Saudi Arabian construction industry is significantly impeded by deeply ingrained traditional practices, client-related issues, technological limitations, performance concerns, and cost-related factors. This commercial production research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in Construction Innovation. Using Mixed-methods (literature review and survey) with 282 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: To successfully implement lean construction, focus on phased adoption, stakeholder education, and demonstrating the long-term cost benefits over initial perceived expenses.
Traditional Practices and Client Demands Hinder Lean Construction Adoption in KSA
The implementation of lean construction principles in the Saudi Arabian construction industry is significantly impeded by deeply ingrained traditional practices, client-related issues, technological limitations, performance concerns, and cost-related factors.
Construction Innovation · 2018
Key Findings
- 0122 barriers to lean construction implementation were identified.
- 02The most significant barriers, in descending order, were traditional practices, client-related issues, technological challenges, performance and knowledge gaps, and cost-related concerns.
- 03Solutions to overcome these barriers were proposed.
Application
Design takeaway
To successfully implement lean construction, focus on phased adoption, stakeholder education, and demonstrating the long-term cost benefits over initial perceived expenses.
How to apply
When planning construction projects in similar cultural and economic contexts, conduct a thorough assessment of potential resistance to lean practices and develop targeted strategies to address them.
Project actions
- 01When researching implementation challenges, consider the specific cultural and economic context of your target region.
- 02Use a combination of literature review and surveys to gather comprehensive data on barriers.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a comprehensive overview of barriers specific to the KSA context.
- +Offers practical solutions for overcoming identified challenges.
Limitations
The findings are specific to the KSA construction industry and may not apply universally. The use of a convenience sample might introduce bias.
Reliability & validity
The use of PCA strengthens the validity of the identified principal factors. Reliability could be further enhanced through triangulation with qualitative data.
Think critically
To what extent do the proposed solutions in the paper adequately address the identified barriers, and what further research is needed to validate their effectiveness?
Design Principles
"Overcoming resistance to change requires a multi-faceted approach addressing cultural, technological, and economic factors."
Understanding these barriers is crucial for design and construction professionals aiming to improve efficiency and reduce waste in projects. Addressing these challenges can lead to more predictable project outcomes, better resource utilization, and enhanced overall project value.
What This Means for Your Design
It's hard to get construction companies in Saudi Arabia to use 'lean' methods because they're used to old ways, clients have different ideas, technology isn't always up-to-date, and people worry about the cost.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the challenges of implementing new construction methodologies in specific regional contexts.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research identifies significant barriers to lean construction implementation in the KSA construction industry, including traditional practices, client-related issues, technological limitations, performance and knowledge gaps, and cost concerns. These findings are relevant for understanding resistance to new methodologies in specific socio-cultural and economic contexts.
Source
Construction Innovation
Barriers to implementing lean construction practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) construction industry
journal · 2018
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about traditional practices and client demands hinder lean construction adoption in ksa?
- To successfully implement lean construction, focus on phased adoption, stakeholder education, and demonstrating the long-term cost benefits over initial perceived expenses. Evidence: Construction Innovation (2018).
- Why does "Traditional Practices and Client Demands Hinder Lean Construction Adoption in KSA" matter for design?
- Understanding these barriers is crucial for design and construction professionals aiming to improve efficiency and reduce waste in projects. Addressing these challenges can lead to more predictable project outcomes, better resource utilization, and enhanced overall project value.
- How can designers apply this research?
- To successfully implement lean construction, focus on phased adoption, stakeholder education, and demonstrating the long-term cost benefits over initial perceived expenses.
- What were the main findings?
- 22 barriers to lean construction implementation were identified.. The most significant barriers, in descending order, were traditional practices, client-related issues, technological challenges, performance and knowledge gaps, and cost-related concerns.. Solutions to overcome these barriers were proposed.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods (literature review and survey) with 282 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from Construction Innovation.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When planning construction projects in similar cultural and economic contexts, conduct a thorough assessment of potential resistance to lean practices and develop targeted strategies to address them.
- What are the limitations?
- The study used a convenience sample, which may limit the generalizability of findings. The socio-cultural context of KSA is specific and may not directly translate to all regions.