The competitiveness in the construction industry is leading companies to implement the Lean philosophy to improve project management and prepare to begin the adoption of Construction 4.0. However, this implementation generates several barriers, depending on the type of company and the country where it is implemented. For this reason, the following research aims to identify the barriers generated in implementing the Lean philosophy in Peru and SMEs. The following study began with a literature review, followed by a questionnaire, which six Lean experts evaluated. Then, 127 Peruvian professionals answered the survey, and the data were analyzed with RII and Exploratory Factor Analysis. As a result, the barriers to Lean Construction were grouped into four groups to analyze their impact on the industry: collaboration, education and implementation, organizational vision and system; Lean theory and philosophy; and Lean tools, coordination, and information flow. Barriers were also analyzed by project type, stage, and organization size to conclude that implementation barriers are directly related to company size. Finally, the obtained barriers are discussed, and Construction 4.0 is proposed to reduce their impact on construction projects. These results can be helpful for implementers to plan strategies, improve knowledge about Lean Construction implementation, and adopt new techniques that could help improve the construction industry’s productivity.
The built environment directly impacts human health and well-being, yet most green certification systems prioritize energy efficiency over occupant health. The WELL Building Standard (WELL), launched in 2014, addresses this gap by focusing on the health and comfort of building users. Despite its growing importance, limited academic research systematically examines its global implementation. This study will fill this research gap by analyzing 1559 WELL-certified projects worldwide using the WELL database. The results reveal that 50% of certifications are concentrated in China and the United States, while regions such as Africa and Latin America show minimal adoption. Most projects are office buildings (83%), with fewer in education, healthcare and residential sectors. Additionally, most certified projects have achieved Gold or Platinum levels, and there has been a notable increase in certifications since the COVID-19 pandemic. By identifying geographic and typological disparities, this research provides a global overview of WELL adoption and offers insights for practitioners and policymakers seeking to promote health-focused building practices.
Respect for People (RFP) is a crucial element in Lean Construction philosophy, along with continuous improvement. However, despite its importance, research on RFP is still limited. Therefore, the following article aims to identify good practices, benefits, and barriers generated by its implementation on the construction site. The research begins with a literature review, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria. Subsequently, with the list of good practices, benefits, and barriers, nine lean experts were interviewed, validating the information obtained from the literature review. This process identified eleven good practices, eleven benefits of implementing RFP in construction projects, and nine barriers. The upcoming research will serve as a valuable contribution for professionals seeking to implement good practices of RFP on the construction site and researchers aiming to delve deeper into this concept.