Lean framework for assessing construction logistics in Jordan
Construction plays a significant role in forming civilisations as it has an impact that spurs societies worldwide to construct their own unique building identities. The structure of the construction industry is arguably considered to be fragmented and not well organised. So, effective construction logistics management is crucial to the success of construction projects that rely on extended supplier networks and delivery processes. As the construction sector is one of the vital sectors in the Jordanian development process, the construction logistics process is considered a significant problem confronting Jordanian construction and needs to be altered (Sweis et al., 2008; Momani, 2000). My investigation of a variety of databases has discovered no indication of implementation of lean thinking or lean practices within the Jordanian construction industry. The purpose of this study is firstly to examine the challenges facing construction logistics in Jordan, and then explore to what extent the Jordanian construction stakeholders are using lean planning tools and practices throughout their construction logistics process, which determines whether Jordanian construction is conventional or toward lean. Thus, this subject appears to be a substantial area to examine within the Jordanian construction industry.The research aim is to develop models for assessing the adoption of lean logistics in Jordanian construction organisations. To achieve this aim, five objectives were prepared. In the literature review, a background of lean production and construction are illustrated; methods and approaches of lean construction along with the benefits and barriers of lean are also critically reviewed. However, the literature did not show any signs of lean practices in Jordan. In addition, supply chain and logistics, in a global sense, are clarified along with the differences between traditional and lean logistics. Most importantly, the literature review shows the challenges affecting logistics in the construction industry including the health and safety regulation factor; inventory factor; material preservation factor; labour performance and material handling factor (performance factor); planning factor; transportation factor; continuous improvement factor; and transparency and information exchange factor.In terms of the research methodology used in this study, the researcher adopted the research-onion model (Saunders et al., 2009). The research tended towards positivism, realism and value-free stances in terms of philosophy, and the search approach used was a combination of inductive and deductive. The strategy of research first included a case study (semi-structured interview), and secondly a survey which considers the choice of this research as a mixed method. Firstly, semi-structured interviews were administered among nine experts in the Jordanian construction industry. This qualitative data investigated the current status of construction logistics in Jordan, factors affecting Jordanian construction logistics and the benefits and barriers of implementing lean practices. Secondly, the results of the semi-structured interviews and the literature review were utilised in the second data collection (questionnaire) in a wider section where 150 stakeholders participated. The descriptive outcomes and factor analysis show that planning is the leading factor (challenges) affecting construction logistics in Jordan. This is followed by the transportation factor, transparency and information exchange factor, continuous improvement factor, material preservation factor, inventory factor and finally the material handling factor. Moreover, the outcomes also show that the awareness and implementation of lean planning tools and practices are still underestimated. Furthermore, the Kruskal-Wallis test and logistics regression were used to find the different views among stakeholders (consultant, contractor and supplier) in regards to factors (challenges) affecting construction logistics, lean planning tools and practices. ISM (Interpretive Structural Modelling) was exploited to build final models, explain all the relationships between variables and level them in different stages from bottom (greatest influence) to top (lowest influence). The models included factors affecting construction logistics (ISM-1), lean planning tools (ISM-2) and lean practices (ISM-3).Fulfilling the aim of this research offers both academics and practitioners contributions to the study of lean logistics. For example, academics will be able to use this research to identify initial indicators and tools for further in-depth studies related to lean logistics within developed and developing countries, whereas managers from different Jordanian construction companies (consultant, contractor, or supplier) will gain added insight into and guidance on lean logistics challenges and use of lean planning tools and practices. This will ultimately help managers assess, reframe and prioritise their managerial practices.
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