A systems thinking approach for incremental reduction of non-physical waste
Abstract
Purpose: Continual cost reduction of overhead costs of building projects can realign the concept of post-contract cost control towards value driven construction projects and stakeholders satisfaction. This study synthesized and analysed the viable continuous improvement measures critical for waste reduction during the execution phase of a building project. Design/Methodology/approach: A review of existing literature facilitated a list of continuous improvement measures. This literature review findings enabled a Likert scale questionnaire which was administered to two-hundred and fifty (250) small and medium scale construction companies (SMSCC) in Nigeria. Multiple linear regression statistical tests deduced the significant cost reduction measure from which a causal loop diagram was designed to indicate continuous improvement measures during the execution phase of a building project. Findings: Cogent construction activities associated with overhead costs were deduced from the statistical tests as being payment of suppliers and subcontractors; and purchase orders. An all-inclusive casual loop model for cost reduction through waste minimisation in construction projects as a viable oriented mechanism for meeting clients’ requirements was developed. Practical implications: The causal loop continuous improvement model recognised external and internal factors which are crucial for SMSCC to focus on for their organisational growth and performance enhancement. Originality or value: A focus on non-physical waste in construction organisations potentially addresses behavioural challenges for continuous improvement.Citation
Omotayo, T., Olanipekun, A., Obi, L. and Boateng, P. (2020) A systems thinking approach for incremental reduction of non-physical waste. Built Environment Project and Asset Management. 10 (4), pp. 509-528. DOI: 10.1108/BEPAM-10-2019-0100Publisher
EmeraldJournal
Built Environment Project and Asset ManagementType
Journal articleLanguage
enDescription
This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Emerald in Built Environment Project and Asset Management on 02/07/2020. The published version can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-10-2019-0100 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.ISSN
2044-124Xae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1108/BEPAM-10-2019-0100
Scopus Count
Collections
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/