Key Strategies to Overcome Barriers in Lean Construction Implementation

Authors

  • Imilia Husna Dilah MARA University of Technology image/svg+xml
  • Wan Norizan Wan Ismail MARA University of Technology image/svg+xml
  • Siti Sarah Mat Isa MARA University of Technology image/svg+xml
  • Muhammad Adam Shaharuddin Pico Play Sdn. Bhd.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/ji.v21i2.11494

Keywords:

Lean, Construction, Sustainability, Economic, Barriers, Lean Construction

Abstract

Implementation of Lean Construction practices within the Malaysian construction industry has improved since the introduction of lean in Malaysia. The implementation of lean construction focused on improving the workflow, improving scheduling, reducing cost, and reduce waste of construction material. However, multiple study proven barriers are present effecting the implementation of lean construction. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide recommendation to overcome the barriers that hinder the implementation of lean construction. A mixed methodology was used in this study, involving two stages of data collection with a particular focus on identifying barriers and proposing strategies to overcome them. The first stage was collecting data through a structured questionnaire distributed to Grade G7 contractors operating within the Klang Valley. The instrument was designed to identify the barriers affecting the implementation of Lean Construction and recommendation to overcome it. The collected responses were subsequently analysed using descriptive statistical methods. The second stage, 5 construction industry practitioner were interviewed through semi-structured interview to obtain recommendation to overcome the identified barriers affecting the implementation of Lean Construction. As a result of this study, multiple recommendation was introduced to overcome barriers affecting the implantation of the lean construction such as combination of strategic and practical measures is essential. Enhancing continuous training, awareness programme, strong leadership and commitment from top management are among of recommendation introduced to this study. This recommendation is essential to further improve lean implementation in Malaysia construction industry.

Author Biographies

  • Imilia Husna Dilah, MARA University of Technology

    Imilia Husna Binti Dilah, Master of Science Built Environment (CFAP781), is a student of Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus. Her expertise is in Interior Design element as a Quantity Surveyor. Working as a quantity surveyor at Signature International Berhad.

  • Wan Norizan Wan Ismail, MARA University of Technology

    Wan Norizan Binti Wan Ismail, is a Professional Technologist and academician at the Fakulti Alam Bina (Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, where she has served since July 2008. She holds a doctoral qualification and the professional title of Ts. (Technologist), with her academic background and expertise rooted in Social Science. Her expertise is rooted in Social Science, with a specialized focus on the Social, Creativity & Innovation (SCI) research nexus. Her multidisciplinary research portfolio covers a broad spectrum of the built environment, including lean construction, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in construction, sustainable building maintenance, and facility management competency. She has published extensively in indexed journals, research books, and chapters, while also contributing to various professional exhibitions and newsletters. An active researcher, she serves as a principal investigator and project member for several funded grants, ranging from social behavior models for Orang Asli students to training modules for quantity surveyors. Beyond her research, she is deeply involved in academic mentorship, supervising PhD and Masters students in areas such as environmental sustainability and construction safety.

  • Siti Sarah Mat Isa, MARA University of Technology

    Siti Sarah Mat Isa, is an academician at the Fakulti Alam Bina (Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, where she has served since July 2007. She holds a doctoral qualification from Universiti Sains Malaysia and a Master of Science in Integrated Construction Project Management from UiTM. Her academic background and expertise are rooted in Social Science, with a specialised focus on the Social, Creativity, and Innovation (SCI) research nexus.

  • Muhammad Adam Shaharuddin, Pico Play Sdn. Bhd.

    Muhammad Adam Shaharuddin, is a quantity surveyor, in a multinational corporation based at Selangor, Malaysia. Currently involves in construction project specialise in theming at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His expertise is in Infrastructure and Housing development. He is also a scout expert with various position in state and national.

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Published

2026-07-30

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 2 (2026): Jurnal Intelek Vol. 21 Issue 2 (August) 2026

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Imilia Husna Dilah, Wan Norizan Wan Ismail, Siti Sarah Mat Isa, Muhammad Adam Shaharuddin

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How to Cite

Key Strategies to Overcome Barriers in Lean Construction Implementation. (2026). Jurnal Intelek, 21(2), 182-195. https://doi.org/10.24191/ji.v21i2.11494