Critical success factors for Kaizen implementation in the Nigerian construction industry

Reducing non-value added (NVA) activities through lean tools for the precast industry

Lean management is a strategic approach that is used in construction industry, specifically aims at minimizing and ultimately eliminating non-value-adding activities, commonly referred to as waste, within construction projects. However, an increase in non-value added (NVA) activities within the precast industry has the potential to diminish both productivity and efficiency. The aim of this paper is to investigate the use of lean tools for minimizing NVA activities in the construction industry. A comprehensive literature review, the study identified Unnecessary Inventory (UI), Waiting Time (WT), Overproduction (OP), and Unnecessary Movement (UM) as major NVA activities that affect the precast industry. A structured questionnaire was designed and conducted among precast industry professionals and lean experts to collect data. The data was then analyze using partial least square test-structural equation modelling, including reliability and validity tests, to ensure data quality. Results indicated that the precast industry professionals widely utilized Just-in-time (JIT), Continuous Improvement (CI), and Total Quality Management (TQM) as lean tools to reduce NVA activities. A conceptual path model was developed to assess the impact of Lean tools on NVA activities. The results of the analysis reveal a strong positive relationship between Lean tools and NVA activities, with a β value of 0.654. The findings of this study can be used for improving the productivity of construction projects by focusing on how to minimize NVA activities using lean tools in precast industry.

Knowledge sharing on mobile social networking: motivational drivers and influence on productivity

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the motivational drivers for knowledge sharing (KS) through the application of mobile social networking (MSN) and their influence on employee productivity in the Malaysian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected by distributing a self-administered questionnaire among employees working in the construction industry. A total of 250 questionnaires were collected and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. This study used a variety of analysis methodologies including correlation analysis, reliability and validity testing, as well as a structural model in evaluating the relationships between KS, motivational factors and influence on productivity.

Findings

The empirical results of this study reveal that utilitarian motivation is positively related to internal and external KS. Similarly, internal and external KS have a positive influence on productivity, while internal and external hedonic motivation does not show any significant relationship with productivity.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the paucity of evidence regarding the determinants of KS motivational drives on employee productivity in the Malaysian construction industry, this study enriches the social cognitive theory-based literature on KS.

Practical implications

This study provides some insights to the players in the construction industry in implementing the most appropriate KS promotion strategies that could potentially influence employee productivity. Organisations in the construction industry that place great emphasis on utilitarian motivation including competency, reward and incentives are more likely to have a better influence on KS and, in turn, positively impact employee productivity.

Originality/value

This study meaningfully contributes to enhancing the understanding of the motivational drivers for sharing knowledge on MSN and its influence on productivity. The findings of this study potentially assist construction practitioners in developing a holistic blueprint for managing their KS towards improving the overall productivity of their employees.

Synergising lean objectives through BIM to enhance productivity and performance

Purpose

The construction industry worldwide is looking for overall efficiency in the entire project life cycle. Lean construction and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are together, key constituents in this quest. This study looks to reinforce the contribution of BIM to deliver applied lean principles to enhance productivity and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts mixed methodologies of Ethnographic Action Research (EAR) and crisp set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA). The mosaic of case studies provides a descriptive and instrumental approach. While a descriptive approach investigates the interventions and phenomenon relating BIM to Lean, an instrumental approach constitutes exemplars of the interrelated phenomenon of BIM and Lean.

Findings

The themes of Elimination of Waste, Kaizen, Respecting the Human Elements, Poke-a-Yoke and Jidoka are contributed to the maximum by BIM. All the case studies discussed evidence of the contribution to Lean, as they enhance end-customer value.

Research limitations/implications

The contribution of BIM towards Lean could encourage collaborations amongst stakeholders for mutual benefits. BIM could enhance decision making, predictive simulation, risk analysis, etc. with many other exciting possibilities of delivering productivity and performance. The study is limited by the insights offered by the individual cases.

Originality/value

The study provides insights into potential developments and research. It is expected to encourage reflective professional practice triggered by innovative thinking for the gainful utilization of BIM to deliver Lean.

Kaizen transferability in non-Japanese cultures: a combined approach of total interpretive structural modeling and analytic network process

Purpose

The literature on Kaizen transferability to non-Japanese culture is still evolving. The results suggest that the relevant research is still at a descriptive and explanatory stage. This study aims to identify and prioritize the importance of significant Kaizen transferability factors in a non-Japanese culture.

Design/methodology/approach

A decision theory-based prescriptive analysis methodology was used to analyze identified Kaizen transferability success factors. Firstly, a list of Kaizen transferability factors was devised from the literature using a systematic literature review. Secondly, an integrated interpretative structure modeling and analytic network process approach were applied to generate preference among factors.

Findings

A framework with a prioritized Kaizen transferability success factors included, in ascending order, organization culture, employee participation, employee discipline, employee personal initiative, top management commitment, management enforcement, employee eagerness, management support and national culture and traditions.

Research limitations/implications

Managers and decision-makers would better understand where to direct their effort and attention to implement the Kaizen management philosophy to improve firm-level productivity. Although the factors studied in this research considered the Indonesian context, the proposed framework could be replicated and extended to include other cultures.

Originality/value

The present work contributes to the limited studies and documentation on Kaizen activities' transferability challenges and the Kaizen body of knowledge in developing countries. This study should help organizations in other developing countries, assimilate how to adopt and manage the Kaizen philosophy implementation by following the framework created in this research.

AHP-Systems Thinking Analyses for Kaizen Costing Implementation in the Construction Industry

The incessant reportage of cost overruns and abandoned projects in contemporary literature have accentuated the need for a re-examination of the nature of the cost management strategies deployed to these projects. This study explores the potential of kaizen costing strategy to engender effective cost management within construction project delivery systems in developing countries. Data collected during this study were analysed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and systems thinking approaches to determine the criticality of the factors influencing the effective implementation of kaizen costing. Seven (7) archetypes leading to final causal loop diagram identified the incorporation of the plan–do–check–act approach to project and cost planning, the budgeting system of the construction companies, overhead cost reduction during construction and the overall procurement process. Executing these archetypes will potentially reduce high overhead costs, project cost and time overruns, as well as enhance construction industry sector growth policies and construction organisation corporate governance.

The applications of Kaizen methods in project settings: applied study in Jordan

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the results of implementing the Kaizen approach in a caravan repairing project near the Jordanian–Syrian border in the Zaatari camp.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the exploratory qualitative research approach. The data were collected through interviews and on-site observation with employees who were involved with the caravan maintenance project and have adequate knowledge and information about this project. In this process, a fishbone diagram, a quality control tool, is used to recognize and explain a causal-effect relationship under the selected Kaizen theme.

Findings

The findings suggest that the Kaizen approach was economical in terms of both money and time. Also, waste elimination can be achieved through a variety of tools and easily combined with the Kaizen approach. Implementing the Kaizen approach is an effective and reliable system that allows for the tackling of all types of inefficiencies in the caravan repairing project.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study will help policy makers and managers put together suitable and effective policies that will assist those firms in overcoming the demands of customers and competitors to deliver high quality, inexpensive products in less time through the application of the Kaizen approach. This, in turn, will lead to improved quality, efficiency and productivity in the most cost-effective way. However, these results should not be generalized since they are only confined to the context of caravan repairing project.

Originality/value

Very little research has been done that takes into account the contexts of developing countries. Additionally, most literature presents the use of Kaizen applications only in the manufacturing or production sectors. This study is the first to implement Kaizen as a continuous improvement technique in a caravan repairing project – a job shop industry different from the repetitive batch work environment that is usually associated with implementation of Kaizen. The current research should be of great interest to researchers, managers and professionals who wish to apply Kaizen approach as it is sustainable over time in similar projects.

Enhancing customer satisfaction using Kaizen: a case study of Imperial Tobacco Company (ITC)

Purpose

With rising income and changing lifestyle, increased disposable income along with rapid urbanization is boosting the country’s biscuit market. The purpose of this paper is to represent the implementation of Kaizen in a biscuit-manufacturing unit of Imperial Tobacco Company (ITC). Although the concept of Kaizen is not a standard practice in India, the company chosen for the case study has a prominence in the Indian market.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodologies that have been applied to implement Kaizen in the ITC are discussed. Why-Why techniques, fishbone diagram, failure modes and effects analysis, ABC analysis have been used to study cause and effects.

Findings

It was found that the yield was increased from 88.3 to 92.2 percent, which was a significant change, as far as the product line is concerned. The product complaints were reduced to zero with an added increased product quality rating system to 98.2 from the existing rating of 96.7. The product consistency was also improved as an application of Lean in the manufacturing process.

Research limitations/implications

This case study is restricted to the manufacturing sector, especially in the field of biscuit company.

Practical implications

The paper should assist those practitioners and consultants who have the desire to find a better way of Kaizen implementation in small-scale industries of India. The academia can also use this case study for a better understanding of the difference between the theoretical and application aspects of the concept.

Originality/value

This paper is an original contribution in the existing body of literature. It shows the application of Kaizen in the manufacturing sector in India.