34th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 34) - Singapore, Singapore - 2026

https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0131

Unravelling the backbone of lean transformation in construction megaprojects

Abdelazim Ibrahim1, Tarek Zayed2 & Zoubeir Lafhaj3

1PhD Candidate, Department of Building and Real Estate, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4487-4151
2Professor, Department of Building and Real Estate, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3249-7712
3Professor, Laboratoire de Mecanique Multiphysique Multiechelle, LaMcube, UMR 9013, Centrale Lille, CNRS, Universite de Lille, Lille, France, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1985-9176

Abstract

Despite growing interest in lean construction for megaprojects, implementation remains fragmented. These complex, high-cost endeavors are prone to delays and inefficiencies, yet there is a limited understanding of how practices interrelate and which serve as foundational enablers. This study addresses this gap by uncovering the causal hierarchy among 35 Lean Construction Practices (LCPs) across six categories. The methodology integrates a literature review, expert input from 15 senior practitioners in Hong Kong and Mainland China, and Fuzzy DEMATEL analysis. Results reveal four Cause categories: Customer Focus & Waste Elimination, Standardization & Process Transparency, Planning & Scheduling, and People Involvement & Continuous Improvement, acting as critical enablers. Key backbone practices include TVD, VSM, Gemba Walks, 5S, BIM, LPS, and PCMAT. In contrast, Flow & Pull Systems and Safety & Quality Assurance are Effect categories, dependent on the prior establishment of foundational systems. The findings emphasize that lean transformation must follow a staged, theory-grounded sequence: cultural and structural practices must precede advanced tools, such as Kanban or TQM. Consequently, this study provides an evidence-based roadmap for prioritizing interventions and accelerating lean maturity in megaprojects.

Keywords

Lean Construction, megaprojects, causal hierarchy, fuzzy DEMATEL, implementation sequencing, backbone practices.

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Reference in APA 7th edition format:

Ibrahim, A., Zayed, T. & Lafhaj, Z.. (2026). Unravelling the backbone of lean transformation in construction megaprojects. In Hamzeh, F., Poshdar, M., & Garcia-Lopez,, N. P. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 34) (pp. 606–617). https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0131

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

Ibrahim, A., Zayed, T. & Lafhaj, Z.. (2026). Unravelling the backbone of lean transformation in construction megaprojects. IGLC34. https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0131

 

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