A Theoretical Framework Based on a Quantitative Assessment of the Interaction Between Commonly Used Lean Construction Tools and Techniques Through the Project Management Knowledge Areas

Journal article, 2022

Research Question: How do Lean Construction (LC) tools and techniques interact quantitatively with the project management knowledge areas (PMKAs) in construction projects? Purpose: To provide a theoretical framework to quantify the relationship between LC tools and techniques (LCTTs) with the PMKAs of the PMBOK construction extension guide, since prior investigations were mostly qualitative. Research Method: The authors performed an exhaustive literature review of 61 international papers from 2010 to 2020, followed by a quantitative analysis. Findings: The quantitative analysis revealed that some LCTTs improve several of the main PMKAs. Limitations: The authors have selected papers related to building sector projects with a range of 10 years (from 2010 to 2020). Also, some of the most relevant LCTTs have been selected (6) and their main benefits have been analyzed. Implications: The use of the proposed framework will enable construction project managers and other professionals to understand the benefits of the interaction between LCTTs through the different PMKAs. From a practical perspective, this study could allow them to select the most suitable LCTTs for each PMKA depending on each particular need.