Short answer

To improve construction project delivery, focus on streamlining procurement, managing lead times, and fostering commitment to lean principles through continuous training and process improvement.

Field
Commercial Production
Source
International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia) (2015)
Method
Quantitative survey and correlational analysis.
Evidence
Moderate effect

The adoption of lean construction principles in major Ghanaian cities is significantly hindered by systemic issues, leading to poor project delivery. This commercial production research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia). Using Quantitative survey and correlational analysis., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: To improve construction project delivery, focus on streamlining procurement, managing lead times, and fostering commitment to lean principles through continuous training and process improvement.

Study
Commercial ProductionHigh ImpactModerate effect

Lean Construction Principles Underutilized in Ghanaian Urban Projects

The adoption of lean construction principles in major Ghanaian cities is significantly hindered by systemic issues, leading to poor project delivery.

International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia) · 2015

01

Key Findings

  • 01Lean construction principles (value, value stream, flow, pull, perfection) are poorly implemented, with application rates below 50%.
  • 02Significant barriers include long lead times, inefficient procurement, cultural/human factors, political influence, and lack of commitment.
02

Application

Design takeaway

To improve construction project delivery, focus on streamlining procurement, managing lead times, and fostering commitment to lean principles through continuous training and process improvement.

How to apply

When initiating construction projects, conduct a thorough assessment of potential systemic barriers to lean implementation and develop strategies to mitigate them, such as process mapping and early stakeholder engagement.

Project actions

  • 01When researching project management, consider how cultural and political factors might affect the adoption of new methodologies.
  • 02Investigate the impact of procurement systems on project efficiency.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo assess the extent of lean construction principle utilization in Ghana's cities and identify effective application strategies.
MethodQuantitative survey and correlational analysis.
ProcedureQuestionnaires were distributed to construction professionals and Metro Works Department officials in Accra, Kumasi, and Sekondi-Takoradi to gauge the application of lean principles. Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient Test was used to analyze the data.
ContextUrban construction projects in Ghana.

Variables

IV["Utilization of lean construction principles","Barriers to lean construction implementation"]
DV["Project delivery efficiency","Sustainability of construction projects"]
CV["Geographic location (Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi)","Type of construction professional"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Focuses on a specific, under-researched context (Ghanaian urban construction).
  • +Identifies concrete barriers to a recognized efficiency methodology.

Limitations

The findings are specific to Ghana and may not apply universally. The study did not delve deeply into the specific types of construction projects (e.g., residential vs. infrastructure).

Reliability & validity

The use of a standardized questionnaire and a statistical test (Spearman Rank Correlation) contributes to reliability. Validity is supported by targeting relevant professionals, but could be enhanced by triangulation with project data.

Think critically

To what extent are the identified barriers unique to Ghana, and how might they manifest differently in other cultural or economic contexts?

05

Design Principles

"Systemic barriers must be addressed to enable the effective implementation of efficiency-focused methodologies like lean construction."

Understanding the barriers to lean implementation is crucial for improving efficiency and reducing waste in construction projects. This insight highlights the need for targeted interventions to overcome these obstacles and enhance project outcomes.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Construction projects in big cities in Ghana aren't using lean methods very well because of problems with how things are bought, long waiting times, and people not being fully on board.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this study to justify the importance of investigating barriers to implementing design strategies in your own project.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This study highlights that the successful implementation of lean construction principles in urban projects is significantly hampered by systemic issues such as inefficient procurement, long lead times, and a lack of commitment, indicating that a holistic approach addressing these barriers is essential for improving project delivery.

09

Source

International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia)

Improving Delivery of Construction Projects in Ghana’s Cities: A Lean Construction Approach

journal · 2015

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about lean construction principles underutilized in ghanaian urban projects?
To improve construction project delivery, focus on streamlining procurement, managing lead times, and fostering commitment to lean principles through continuous training and process improvement. Evidence: International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia) (2015).
Why does "Lean Construction Principles Underutilized in Ghanaian Urban Projects" matter for design?
Understanding the barriers to lean implementation is crucial for improving efficiency and reducing waste in construction projects. This insight highlights the need for targeted interventions to overcome these obstacles and enhance project outcomes.
How can designers apply this research?
To improve construction project delivery, focus on streamlining procurement, managing lead times, and fostering commitment to lean principles through continuous training and process improvement.
What were the main findings?
Lean construction principles (value, value stream, flow, pull, perfection) are poorly implemented, with application rates below 50%.. Significant barriers include long lead times, inefficient procurement, cultural/human factors, political influence, and lack of commitment.
What research method was used?
Quantitative survey and correlational analysis..
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2015 journal from International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia).
What should I do differently in my next project?
When initiating construction projects, conduct a thorough assessment of potential systemic barriers to lean implementation and develop strategies to mitigate them, such as process mapping and early stakeholder engagement.
What are the limitations?
The study focused on specific cities in Ghana and may not represent the entire construction industry. The reliance on questionnaires could be subject to response bias.