The Toyota Way model: an alternative framework for lean construction

Abstract

As the success of lean production is widespread, both inside and outside the manufacturing industry, there have emerged a number of models of lean construction, which look into the possible implementation of the lean principles in the construction industry. While it is commonly accepted that lean production has its basis in the Toyota production system (TPS), the ‘Toyota Way’ has developed as something more than simply the TPS. This study examines the current implementation frameworks of lean construction and proposes an alternative framework for the construction industry based on the Toyota Way model. It is hoped that this ‘back to the basics’ approach can be used to bring greater clarity to lean construction by means of the Toyota Way model. The comprehensiveness of the Toyota Way model means that it can bring about multiple angles from which to look at the lean construction model for the construction industry.