Lean management techniques for reducing material waste : Finland evidence
Senanayaka, Priyantha (2025)
Diplomityö
2025
School of Engineering Science, Tuotantotalous
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2025060358235
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2025060358235
Tiivistelmä
Material wastage remains a significant issue in the construction industry, resulting in higher costs, environmental degradation, and project inefficiency. Although Finland has very stiff sustainability targets, and it is quite digitalised in construction-related operations, lean management techniques are very few and fragmented in construction logistics. This study examines the effective implementation of Lean principles to minimise unnecessary material waste in Finnish construction projects, with a focus on logistics processes.
The study presents a qualitative content analysis review of secondary research data extracted from academic papers, government reports, and industrial cases. The study examines key lean tools, including Just-in-Time (JIT), 5S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen, and Building Information Modelling (BIM), as well as their application and effectiveness in reducing waste. Results from this study suggest that a lack of transparency is manifested in major waste factors such as inefficient coordination, overordering, poor storage management, and the lack of digital integration. It also outlines the key enablers and barriers to Lean adoption, including management support, training and development, challenges in dealing with resistance to change, and supply chain fragmentation. With the design of a context-specific, integrated lean framework for the construction industry in Finland, the study concludes. This framework addresses the implementation of lean logistics that aligns with circular economy goals and Finland's national carbon neutrality targets. Results provide insights for construction industry professionals and policymakers to drive improved resource efficiency and sustainability within a Lean culture.
The study presents a qualitative content analysis review of secondary research data extracted from academic papers, government reports, and industrial cases. The study examines key lean tools, including Just-in-Time (JIT), 5S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen, and Building Information Modelling (BIM), as well as their application and effectiveness in reducing waste. Results from this study suggest that a lack of transparency is manifested in major waste factors such as inefficient coordination, overordering, poor storage management, and the lack of digital integration. It also outlines the key enablers and barriers to Lean adoption, including management support, training and development, challenges in dealing with resistance to change, and supply chain fragmentation. With the design of a context-specific, integrated lean framework for the construction industry in Finland, the study concludes. This framework addresses the implementation of lean logistics that aligns with circular economy goals and Finland's national carbon neutrality targets. Results provide insights for construction industry professionals and policymakers to drive improved resource efficiency and sustainability within a Lean culture.