An Investigation into Lean Implementation Preparedness in the Engineering Projects Sector

Abstract

Lean methodologies, a system widely used in the manufacturing industry, have demonstrated numerous benefits and added significant value to the industry. In the same way that other industries have benefitted from the application of Lean techniques, the engineering projects sector can also realise significant improvements by integrating Lean principles into its processes and operations. The study aims to gain a comprehensive insight into the application of the Lean concept, with a focus on the South African engineering projects sector. The findings of a thorough literature review, focussing on Lean techniques, technology, and the projects sector, examined key variables that have an impact on the effective implementation of Lean methodologies within this industry. The variables studied are skills and expertise, active work methods, and leadership style. The study also explores the impact of digital technologies on Lean implementation, exploring how these technologies enhance the integration of Lean practices. The study includes descriptive statistical analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and a confirmatory factor analysis of the data. A significant relationship is found between variables influencing Lean implementation and the effectiveness of Lean practices within the South African engineering projects sector.