The lean implementation initiatives can be categorised as roadmap, conceptual/implementation framework, descriptive and assessment checklist initiatives. A literature review on the lean initiatives has examined 28 initiatives. A set of rules is proposed to evaluate these initiatives with respect to nine factors impacting lean implementation. The evaluation has proved that the implementation frameworks have highest association with lean factors. However, existing lean initiatives are not demonstrated in a structured nature. The failure in managing lean implementation process is often consolidated to poor mind-set and inadequate understanding of the lean concept itself. In this paper, an attempt has been made to propose a framework to overcome some of the limitations. The proposed framework is constructed as a project-based framework with detailed four implementation phases. Appropriate practices and decision tools are proposed and assigned to each phase. However, the proposed framework is at conceptual stage. It requires further implementation to be validated.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to systematically analyse and synthesise the existing research published on offsite manufacturing/construction. The study aims to highlight and associate the core elements for adopting the offsite concept in different construction contexts. This ultimately facilitates the enhancement of the offsite uptake. Design/methodology/approach: The research study was carried out through a systematic literature review (SLR). The SLR was conducted to identify and understand the existing themes in the offsite research landscape, evaluate contributions and compile knowledge, thereby identifying potential directions of future research. The grand electronic databases were explored to gather literature on the offsite concept, lean and agile principles and simulation. A total of 62 related articles published between 1992 and 2015 have been included in this study. The relevant literature was systematically analysed and synthesised to present the emerging offsite themes. Findings: The descriptive and thematic analyses presented in this paper have identified related offsite research studies that have contributed to setting a firm foundation of the offsite concept in different construction contexts. Each of the 62 articles was examined for achieving the aim and objectives of this study, the method of data collection and coverage of offsite themes. The results of the analyses revealed that the articles mostly provide information on the offsite concept and its definitions (53 per cent) and offsite barriers and/or drivers (27 per cent). However, limited attention has been paid to the integration of lean and agile principles (13 per cent) and simulation (7 per cent) within the offsite concept, which are therefore more open to research within the offsite concept. Research limitations/implications: The literature review highlights the main themes and components of the offsite construction concept. This forms a solid basis and motivation for researchers and practitioners to build on to enhance the uptake of the offsite concept in different contexts. This study also presents a research roadmap within the offsite concept, along with a recommendation for further research to be conducted using the research framework proposed in this study. The framework could lead to validation of using simulation to integrate lean and agile principles within the offsite concept. Originality/value: This paper presents a systematic review of the literature related to offsite construction in different contexts. The emerging components, that is, offsite definitions, drivers and/or barriers, lean and agile principles and simulation have been highlighted and discussed thematically. A research framework that enables pursuit of the integration of lean and agile principles offsite through the lens of simulation has been proposed. The framework is expected to open up new opportunities on the effectiveness of offsite development in different contexts.

Building information modelling (BIM) has significantly influenced the construction industry. However, the existing BIM tools and frameworks within prefabricated buildings are minimal. This research study aims to identify the opportunities and barriers of integrating BIM in the Australian prefabrication industry. The research was carried out using a mixed method of literature review and questionnaire survey with 30 indudstry professionals. The literature review identified the key challenges associated with prefabricated buildings including construction discipline-specific, fabrication-specific issues and communication-specific issues. The survey results proved that the most significant BIM opportunities are minimizing design errors and discrepancy of final product model between designers and manufacturers and increasing mass customization. The study revealed that seamless and timely information exchange among key project stakeholders via a BIM system was identified as the most critical success factor to adopt BIM in the prefabrication industry. This research provides practical insights into how to utilize BIM effectively for prefabrication in the housing sector. The survey results document the opportunities and barriers to BIM integration and provide professional insights on how BIM can benefit the prefabrication. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on enhancing the productivity/practice of prefabrication through BIM integration within the Australian housing context.

Purpose: Cities are facing challenges with their smart city agenda due to tighter budget constraints, varied interests of different stakeholders and increasing needs of technological innovation. Therefore, cities are partnering with private organisations to advance smart city projects. This research critically analyses the existing research published on public-private partnerships (PPPs) for the development of smart city projects and aims to identify the emerging themes and recommend mechanisms and strategies for improved use of smart city PPPs.Design/methodology/approach: The content/textual analysis was conducted on 52 research publications relating to PPP and smart city from 2001 to 2020. With the assistance of the Leximancer software, the related literature was systematically analysed and synthesised to present the emerging themes of PPP application within the smart city context.Findings: The analyses reveal that smart city PPPs mainly concentrated on building new or improving existing infrastructure. The research identifies five themes on PPP application for smart city development: (1) Technological innovation integration and increased risk profile, (2) Smart citizen engagement and participatory governance, (3) Data sharing and information security, (4) Transformation of PPP process and approach and (5) PPPs for urban sustainability. This research consolidates these five themes in a proposed sustainable public-private-people partnership (PPPP) framework.Originality/value: This research provides a new perspective on rethinking the extant PPP models by highlighting the emerging themes in the PPP application for smart city development. This study provides useful recommendations for smart city infrastructure project partnership and engagement among the public and private sectors, and the city residents.