LEAN PROCUREMENT: THE USE OF LEAN CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES IN PROJECT VALUE ENHANCEMENT

Abstract

Lean construction is characterised by a set of clear objectives in project delivery involving the concurrent design of products and processes, and the application of production control throughout the project life cycle to maximise value for money to customers. The successful delivery of construction projects requires the effective use of project management techniques such as risk and value management to achieve the optimum performance of a constructed facility over time. However, it has been argued that lean construction came about as a result of the failure of traditional project management to provide an integrated project delivery process in which design, construction, operation, and maintenance are considered as a whole with an understanding of how to enhance value delivery to clients, stakeholders (including occupants), and society in general. This paper explores in depth the lean construction techniques that support environmentally sustainable benefits and value enhancement in the design and construction processes (including supply chain management). It also explains how the implementation of lean techniques in construction project delivery and procurement strategy (including partnering relationships between contractors, consultants and manufacturers) delivers a high level of benefits and value.
Keywords: construction project, lean construction, procurement, value, value management