THE STATE OF ADOPTION OF LEAN CONSTRUCTION IN THE TANZANIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Main Article Content
Keywords
lean construction, concepts, barriers, benefits, principles
Abstract
Lean has been able to minimise waste, improve quality, and increase value for money in the construction industry. However, the extent of adoption of lean construction concepts is yet to be determined for the Tanzanian construction industry. The purpose of this study is to investigate adoption of lean construction concepts, and to determine the barriers to implementation of such concepts. Data were collected from practising consulting and contracting firms, using self-administered questionnaires. Forty-six of the 60 questionnaires distributed were completed and returned, and they were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicate that the lean concept adopted in the Tanzanian construction industry is teamwork. It was consistently found that the main barriers to adoption of lean construction in the Tanzanian construction industry are a lack of technical skills and inadequate design and client information. Generally, there is a low rate of adoption of lean construction in Tanzania, as most of the listed concepts are not yet sufficiently recognised by the respondents. The study recommends promoting lean construction concepts, and creating awareness of such concepts, through continuous training, open communication channels, and an embracing of lean by project participants and construction-related associations. This paper makes a contribution to the body of knowledge on the subject of lean construction adoption within the previously unexplored context of Tanzania.