Lean Supply Chain Practices in the Zambian Construction Industry

E. Manda, E. Mwanaumo (), W. D. Thwala (), R. Kasongo and S. Chisumbe
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E. Manda: University of Zambia
E. Mwanaumo: University of Zambia
W. D. Thwala: University of Zambia
R. Kasongo: University of Zambia
S. Chisumbe: University of Zambia

A chapter in Sustainable Education and Development – Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation, 2023, pp 313-326 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Purpose: The construction process involves the assembly of various materials and components in order to come up with a final product. This entails that all parties involved in the construction supply chain need to be effective and efficient. However, the Zambian building construction industry like many other developing countries is associated with numerous challenges. This study sought to explore lean practices being implemented in the Zambian construction supply chain. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative methodological approach was adopted with data collected through a structured questionnaires containing closed-end questions. A total of 151 Building contractors registered with National Council for Construction (NCC) in grades one, two and three were sampled, out of which 102 were responsive. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings: The results revealed that the most common lean practices being implemented focus on prevention of wastes and defects by; establishing customer needs, collection of multiple quotations, ensuring that firms have updated inventory that ensure flow of construction and ensuring product tests are done for adherence to quality and specification among others. Implications/Research Limitations: This study was only limited to contractors in grade one to three, a similar study would be good to be conducted among contractors registered in grades four, five and six so as to determine lean practices being implemented among small scale contractors. Practical Implications: The finding of this paper will help contractors reduce the overall product cost of building construction through elimination of wastes as a result of implementing lean practices. Originality/Value: This is among the first studies conducted in Zambia with the focus being on establishing the lean practices being implemented on large scale building construction worksites.

Keywords: Construction; Lean; Materials; Practices; Supply chain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-25998-2_24

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-25998-2_24

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