Exploring factors for implementing lean construction for rapid initial successes in construction

Despite lean philosophies are emerging phenomenon in manufacturing and construction project management for waste reduction and improving sustainability, still, the construction industry is struggling in utilizing its full benefits either due to lack of awareness or convoluted implementing strategies. Companies who are implementing lean processes but unable to achieve immediate initial successes most likely dissociate themselves from lean in the future due to issues they experienced. This study is to provide robust strategies to the construction companies in the selection and implementation of lean tools with a focus on (1) meeting immediate initial successes and (2) adding elements of practicality. A questionnaire survey was designed after a systematic literature review to explore the factors required for the successful implementation of lean tools and techniques. Series of statistical analyses were performed to identify multiple sub-factors that assist in selecting and implementing lean tools and techniques. Many valuable findings generated from the study eventually lead to practical suggestions for new Lean adopters to implement lean construction. Project managers, who are somewhere struggling in lean implementation, will be benefitted from this study by applying innovative project management approaches as advocated by lean philosophies. •Initial successes improve the morale and confidence for using Lean construction.•Identifying leading strategies for rapid initial successes - new lean adopters.•Leading stratgeties are further segmented into micro level strategies –project level.•Immediate successful outcome lead to long term sustainability of lean construction.•Start points for successful lean journey are benchmarked.