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

https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0319

Continuous improvement in project-based construction organizations

Eder Martinez1, Caroline Beyerle2, Louis Pfister3 & Eric Forcael4

1Head of Lean Division Civil Engineering, Implenia AG, Thurgauerstrasse 101A, Glattpark (Opfikon) 8152, Switzerland, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0001-7918-9421
2Head of Lean Civil and Special Foundations Switzerland, Implenia AG, Thurgauerstrasse 101A, Glattpark (Opfikon) 8152, Switzerland, [email protected]
3Global Head Quality, Implenia AG, Thurgauerstrasse 101A, Glattpark (Opfikon) 8152, Switzerland, [email protected]
4Professor, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción 4081339, Chile; [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-3036-4329

Abstract

Continuous Improvement (CI) remains difficult to institutionalize in project‑based construction organizations, where fragmented project environments and limited cross‑project learning restrict the scalability of locally successful initiatives. This study applies an Action Research approach to design, implement, and evaluate a structured CI process within a multinational construction services provider. The resulting framework combines a sequential yet flexible process, standardized problem‑solving methods based on PDCA and A3 thinking, digital support tools, and dedicated knowledge exchange structures. A 12‑month pilot in the organization demonstrated the ability of newly formed CI teams to systematically identify problems, test solutions through structured pilots, and document insights using a digital improvement‑portfolio application. Twenty‑three ideas for CI were identified, ten of which progressed to piloting or implementation, covering topics such as digitalization, standardization, safety, and resource efficiency. While the process successfully stimulated local CI activity and established the foundation for cross‑project learning, challenges remain in achieving consistent documentation, mobilizing teams for scaling activities, and strengthening organization‑wide learning routines. The findings provide practical and theoretical insights into how structured CI systems can be adapted to project‑based construction environments.

Keywords

Lean construction, continuous improvement, Plan-Do-Check-Act, A3 thinking, knowledge management.

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Reference in APA 7th edition format:

Martinez, E., Beyerle, C., Pfister, L. & Forcael, E.. (2026). Continuous improvement in project-based construction organizations. 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. 1370–1381). https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0319

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

Martinez, E., Beyerle, C., Pfister, L. & Forcael, E.. (2026). Continuous improvement in project-based construction organizations. IGLC34. https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0319

 

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