Barriers to the implementation of Lean construction in South Africa

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the barriers to the implementation of Lean construction practices faced by practitioners in the South African construction industry. A literature review was carried out on the barriers present in the construction industry in South Africa, and elsewhere in the world. A survey was sent to practitioners in the Construction Project Management and Construction Management professions in South Africa. The data collected was used to determine if barriers found elsewhere in the world are also prevalent in the South African context. The data was also used to establish if barriers unique to the South African construction industry existed. The most prevalent barriers elsewhere in the world were organised under five themes, namely organisational, environmental, labour/workforce, material, and exogenous barriers. Barriers under all five categories were found in the South African construction industry. Barriers unique to the South African Construction industry were identified. These barriers include lack of skills, unrealistic CPG targets imposed on government contracts, community and business forum involvement, presence of construction mafia, lack of knowledge in management SMME’s on construction projects, and client retaining authority of key responsibilities of the Principal Agent. These issues create barriers to the implementation of Lean construction practices as they hinder the flow on projects and do not contribute to the focus on value mapping and creation for the end user. To overcome the identified barriers, institutions need to move away from the traditional transformational view of construction processes and linear view of the construction program. This study benefits stakeholders in the South African construction industry by informing business models and current practices to be more adapted to the successful implementation of lean construction practices. The research also benefits educational institutions, built environment councils and government policymakers to inform them of the barriers which can be overcome by shifts in existing policies.