Towards a Lean Construction toolbox to improve social projects management

Abstract

Goal: Present a toolbox applied to improve the processes related to social housing construction projects using Lean Construction. Design / Methodology / Approach: The research presents six phases; (1) literature review, (2) analyze record information and data on social projects, (3) design Lean Construction toolboxcustomized to social housing projects, (4) estimate indicators post application, (5) assessment building process (6) analyze economic outcomes due to toolbox application. Results: Results showed that it is possible to apply lean construction tools to social projects in the poorest areas of urban districts in Latin America, the efficiency building an emergency house increase to 50% implementing LC tools. In an average of 20 projects a year, where around 150 to 200 houses are built, the reduction of time to build the same number of houses is around 20%. Limitations of the investigation: The proposed toolbox was studied on housing projects deal by an NGO with operations in Coastal Lima - Peru, it was considered its sources and limitation to operate, and those own from communities located in the Lima slums. Practical implications: The proposal toolbox can be used as a guide for the construction of housing social projects. Originality / Value: The paper demonstrates its originality and relevance by presenting Lean Construction practices adapted to apply in social projects; reducing resources and wastes used and improving project productivity.