Review of lean construction conference proceedings and relationship to the Toyota Production System framework

Abstract

The objective of this study was to align the International Group of Lean Construction (IGLC) conference proceedings against the Toyota Production System (TPS) to determine how well research themes in construction studies align with the TPS framework. Factories around the world that have implemented the TPS framework have experienced impressive production outcomes. Content analysis was chosen as the methodology in conducting the study of IGLC conference proceedings from 1996 through 2009. A total of 592 IGLC research studies were analyzed. The analysis revealed that lean research in construction did not align exclusively around the TPS framework. From 592 studies, 241 (40%) were classified within the four overarching TPS categories having the 14 TPS principles; 351 (60%) were classified outside the framework as fitting in one of 15 other important proxy lean related research categories. The findings were reflective of IGLC research studies between 1996 and 2009 and did not reflect lean research contributions outside this database. This study has particular implications in knowledge, practice, and teaching. Lean researchers are encouraged not to confine their research to a specific construction sector but rather conform to a broader research platform including the building, heavy, and civil engineering sectors so that these sectors can benefit from future lean research. Critical discussion on the preconditions for, and limits of, lean research initiatives promise to contribute to a stronger body of lean knowledge in the industry concerned with developing the built environment.