A new study led by researchers from the University of Cambridge's Laing O'Rourke Centre has been presented as a plenary session at the prestigious 33rd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC), held in Osaka and Kyoto, Japan, from 2 to 4 June.
The paper Where Is the Evidence of Performance Improvement in the Lean Construction Literature? presents a critical review of more than a decade's worth of lean construction research. The team, comprised of Dr Ashan Senel Asmone, Dr Danny Murguia, Dr Asitha Rathnayake, Dr Aritra Pal and Professor Campbell Middleton, raised a provocative question: despite decades of lean construction advocacy: where is the solid proof of performance improvement in construction?
After systematically analysing 1,351 papers presented at IGLC conferences between 2013 and 2024, the authors found that only just 4% of studies presented measurable evidence of improved construction performance. The team emphasised a need for a standardised framework for measuring construction performance. Currently, diverse and inconsistent metrics across studies make it hard to compare projects and benchmark improvements, hindering the industry's ability to track progress or reduce waste effectively.
Consistent measurement is the foundation of data-driven decisions and continuous improvement.”
Dr Danny Murguia
The paper's selection for the plenary session underscores its importance in shaping the future direction of lean construction research and practice. It also highlights the growing international recognition of the Cambridge Laing O'Rourke Centre's leadership in advancing evidence-based approaches to construction innovation.
As lean construction continues to evolve, this research serves as a timely reminder that innovation must be matched by rigorous evaluation, especially if the industry is to achieve the productivity gains it urgently seeks.
The full paper is accessible via IGLC's digital library.
For updates on the IGLC 33 Conference, visit www.iglc.net.