Lean maturity model for the Sri Lankan construction industry: investigation of key model assessing components

Jayanetti, JKDDT, Perera, BAKS, Waidyasekara, KGAS, Siriwardena, M ORCID: 0000-0002-1825-5349 and Ranadewa, KATO (2026) Lean maturity model for the Sri Lankan construction industry: investigation of key model assessing components. International Journal of Construction Management. ISSN 1562-3599

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	33 Built Environment and Design; 35 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services; 40 Engineering; 3507 Strategy, Management and Organisational Behaviour; 4005 Civil Engineering; 3302 Building; 0905 Civil Engineering; 1202 Building; 1504 Commercial Services; 3302 Building; 3507 Strategy, management and organisational behaviour; 4005 Civil engineering
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Divisions:	Civil Engineering and Built Environment
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Date of acceptance:	31 January 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	14 April 2026
Date Deposited:	13 Apr 2026 12:56
Last Modified:	14 Apr 2026 00:50
DOI or ID number:	10.1080/15623599.2026.2629535
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28359

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