Purpose: The lack of knowledge has hindered the successful implementation of lean in the construction industry. This has alarmed the need for lean learning practices. Out of numerous models, the learning-to-learn sand cone model received a wider acknowledgment for learning practices. Thus, this study aims to propose a learning-to-learn sand cone model integrated lean learning framework for the construction industry.Design/methodology/approach: The research adopted an interpretivism stance. A qualitative research approach was adopted for the study. Consequently, fifteen (15) semi-structured interviews and document reviews were carried out to collect data in three (3) cases selected through purposive sampling. Code-based content analysis was used to analyse the data.Findings: Fifty-two (52) sub-activities pertaining to nine lean learners at each stage of the lean learning procedure were identified. The most significant practices in the lean learning procedure to continuously improve lean learning in the organisation were maintaining records, providing a performance update to senior management and preparing and distributing several hierarchical manuals for all levels of staff to aid in the implementation of lean approaches.Originality/value: The findings of the research can be aided to successfully implement lean by following the identified sub-activities via various parties within the organisation. The proposed lean learning framework opens several research areas on lean learning in the construction industry. This is the first research to uncover a lean learning framework in the construction industry rather than at the educational institute level.

COVID-19 pandemic has been an alarming issue from the beginning of 2020 and is a significant disaster that affects each industry. In dealing with the consequences of the pandemic, the construction industry confronts several interruptions for the sustainable delivery of the projects. Many researchers stated that lean construction can minimise this impact. Lean thinking is about engaging everyone, every day in handling interruptions and learning to react better. However, few discussions are there pertaining to how to implement and why to implement lean. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry and evaluate the ability of lean construction to resilient COVID-19. Therefore, a comprehensive literature review has been carried out. The findings revealed 67 negative factors categorised under resources-related issues, project management issues, quality issues, financial issues, contractual issues, safety issues, technology-related issues, and other issues for the construction industry due to the pandemic. Continuous improvement for the work under any risks, improvement in project performance, more satisfaction, and better value for the employer were highlighted as the main benefits of lean construction during the new normalcy. The developed conceptual framework unlocked several research arenas on lean in post-COVID implementation for the construction industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all industries globally, including the construction industry. As a result, the construction industry is experiencing several challenges in terms of delivering projects on time and on budget. However, a few studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has a positive impact on the construction industry. Hence, analysing the issues caused by COVID-19 is vital to lessen the effects of the pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry. Accordingly, a detailed literature review was carried out to gain a theoretical understanding of the topic. A quantitative research approach was used to collect data. The questionnaire survey was conducted using snowball sampling with a total of one 108 respondents. Statistical Package for Social Science" (SPSS) was used to analyse the collected data. The findings revealed 86 negative impacts for the construction industry owing to the pandemic, which was classified as resources-related issues, project management issues, quality issues, financial issues, contractual issues, safety issues, technology-related issues, and other issues for the construction industry. An increase in the price of materials and equipment, project cost, exchange rate, and inflation rate were noted as significant negative impacts to the construction industry. The research further identified twelve (12) favourable impacts for the construction industry as a result of the pandemic. Encouraging risk assessment and collaboration and encouraging Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were highlighted as the significant positive impacts. Therefore, strategies need to be identified to neutralise the negative impacts using the positive impacts caused by the pandemic. This study contributes to the body of knowledge to advance the construction industry towards the next level during the post- COVID-19 scenario, which will be the focus of the next phase of this research.

Digital twin technology holds immense potential for the construction industry in developing countries, while providing numerous benefits. Yet, financial, cultural, infrastructural and technological barriers hinder the implementation of digital twin. Researchers have emphasised the importance of considering both visible and invisible barriers of digital twin implementation. ‘Lean Iceberg Model’ (LIM) emphasises that most of the underlying barriers and problems in a project are invisible and unaddressed, and it is critical to solve these underlying issues to achieve effective implementation. The study aims to develop a LIM to minimise barriers for successful digital twin implementation in the Sri Lankan construction industry. This study adopts an interpretivism stance and employs a qualitative research approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 experts chosen through purposive sampling. VBA script was employed to analyse the data. LIM highlights the unseen aspects such as leadership, commitment, employee engagement, and organisational strategy as crucial to the successful digital twin implementation. Thus, a comprehensive approach is required to contemplates the technical aspects with the organisation's overall strategy, employee engagement, and leadership commitment. Moreover, cultural values, norms, leadership, and social networks are also examined to determine their impact on digital twin implementation. A framework for minimising the barriers to the implementation of digital twins in the Sri Lankan construction industry using the LIM has been developed incorporating the findings, which will offer valuable insights for construction industry professionals and policymakers interested in implementing digital twin to improve construction project management.