Research Publications

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Open Access
Enhancement of Quality Management Through Lean in Sri Lankan Construction Industry
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Jayanetti J.K.D.D.T.; Perera B.A.K.S.; Ranadewa K.A.T.O
Quality management remains a critical concern in the construction industry of developing countries, where inefficiencies, rework, and inconsistencies in quality practices negatively impact project outcomes. Although lean construction features prominently in the global literature, the rigorous integration of lean principles into quality management frameworks remains underexplored. While lean construction is widely recognised for enhancing process efficiency and value delivery, its integration with quality management, particularly through structured frameworks, has received limited attention in the Sri Lankan context. This study addresses this gap by investigating how lean can be applied to enhance quality management in Sri Lankan construction organisations. Guided by a pragmatic research philosophy, this study employed the Delphi technique involving experts with expertise in lean construction and quality management. Data was analysed using NVivo through directed content analysis. The study identified lean-related quality process areas and performance indicators based on established literature and expert judgement. The validated indicators were organised into four core process areas: continuous improvement, benchmarking, standardisation, and error detection and prevention. A total of 22 performance indicators corresponding to these areas were confirmed through expert consensus. The findings show strong alignment with established lean concepts such as Kaizen, the Plan Do Check Act cycle, standard work, and quality at source. The results also reflect local priorities such as proactive error management and regulatory alignment, emphasising the need for contextual adaptation. The study extends lean quality theory to a new geographic setting, offers a practical framework for Sri Lankan construction organisations, demonstrates the methodological value of the Delphi approach in data-limited contexts, and supports societal goals by promoting more reliable and accountable construction practices. These contributions advance understanding and implementation of lean-based quality management in emerging construction sectors.
Open Access
Lean integrated circular economy in the Sri Lankan construction industry: a qualitative Delphi study
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2025) Vijayakumar, H; Ranadewa K.A.T.O; Weerakoon, P; Weerakoon, P; Jayanetti J.K.D.D.T
The construction industry is known for its significant environmental impact and waste generation. To address this issue, the concept of Circular Economy (CE) has emerged, aiming to minimise waste and maximise resource utilisation. However, there are several barriers which impede the implementation of the CE concept in the construction industry. Therefore, this research aims to incorporate the lean concept to overcome the barriers of CE implementation in the construction industry. Therefore, this research develops a framework for a lean-enabled CE in the construction industry. The qualitative approach is used for this paper, and the Delphi technique was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to select the experts for the study, and data were analysed through manual content analysis. The findings revealed 10 benefits from CE and 12 benefits from Lean were identified, along with 8 benefits of CE and Lean integration. Furthermore, 19 barriers were identified towards this integration, and 12 strategies were identified to overcome these barriers. This study also provides a comprehensive mapping between CE and Lean implementation benefits, their integration benefits and barriers, and strategies. In addition, integrating lean and CE for the construction industry can lead to many significant benefits, such as cost savings, improved environmental performance, and enhanced stakeholder engagement.
Embargo
Lean maturity model for the Sri Lankan construction industry: investigation of key model assessing components
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2026-02-27) Jayanetti J.K.D.D.T.; Perera B.A.K.S; Waidyasekara K.G.A.S.; Siriwardana, M; Ranadewa K.A.T.O
Implementing lean practices in the construction industry remains challenging, particularly due to the lack of effective mechanisms to assess lean construction maturity. Despite the presence of limited literature on lean maturity models, no model has been developed specifically for the Sri Lankan construction sector. Addressing this gap, the present study takes an initial step toward developing a Lean Construction Maturity Model tailored to the Sri Lankan context by identifying the essential components required for its assessment. Adopting a pragmatic stance, the research employed the qualitative Delphi technique, involving 73 expert interviews conducted over three iterative rounds, followed by five validation interviews. Directed Content analysis was used to extract key elements for the model. The study identified three core components necessary for assessing lean construction maturity: attributes, process areas, and indicators. Specifically, eight attributes were revealed including Production Efficiency, Waste Elimination, Quality Management, People, Customer Focus, Lean Leadership, Transparency, and Lean Philosophy. These attributes are supported by 28 process areas and 140 indicators. Together, these elements form a structured, layered framework for assessing lean maturity. The study contributes original insights by considering the cultural, economic, and institutional dynamics influencing lean implementation in Sri Lanka. While the findings establish foundational components, further research is needed to develop and validate a complete maturity model. Practically, the study enables a more systematic and locally relevant approach to lean adoption, supporting improved industry performance. Socially, it promotes resource efficiency and project success, contributing to more responsible and sustainable construction practices in the Sri Lankan context.

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