Defining lean construction capability from an ambidextrous perspective

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by IGLC in the Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC29), Alarcon, L.F. and González, V.A. (eds.), available online: https://iglc.net/Papers/Details/1844 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.Lean construction (LC) is widely used to eliminate waste in the construction industry. However, research on LC capability is lagging relative to other works in the LC field. By exploring relevant literature on the rigid and flexible characteristics of LC, this study proposes for the first time that LC capability is an ambidextrous capability from a paradoxical lens. The investigation reveals that the concept of LC capability has no clear definition and puts forward the view that LC capability is an ambidextrous capability. The study established that LC ambidextrous capability is a paradox which consist of two dimensions—namely LC exploitative capability and LC exploratory capability. LC ambidextrous capability emphasizes striving for a balance between the two capabilities. This study contributes to current knowledge and future application of organizational ambidexterity theory to LC capability development. Regarding contribution to practice, this research would enable LC project practitioners to understand the paradoxical tensions in LC projects, and to how to deal with them. Additionally, this study brings new insight and opens a new debate on how LC ambidextrous capability could develop in the construction field

Implementation of BIM and lean construction in offsite housing construction: evidence from the UK

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by IGLC in the Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC29), Alarcon, L.F. and González, V.A. (eds.), available online: https://iglc.net/Papers/Details/1906 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.The benefits of integrating Lean construction (LC) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been discussed in recent research studies. However, the effects of implementing these methodologies as an integrated approach in offsite housing construction (OSHC) processes have not been explored in the UK. This research aims at assessing the current situation of the implementation of BIM and LC in OSHC in the UK. A quantitative research method was adopted in the study and thirty-two questionnaire survey responses were received from professionals and practitioners of Lean, BIM and offsite methodologies in the UK construction industry. The study found that there is increasing use of LC and BIM in the development of OSHC projects in the UK. It further reveals that these two methodologies when appropriately implemented can bring several benefits. This study sheds light on the current status of implementation of BIM and LC in OSHC and the benefits of the implementation of both BIM and LC in OSHC processes in the UK