FACTORS INFLUENCING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LEAN CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES AMONG INDIGENOUS AND MULTINATIONAL CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA

Purpose: There was need to assess the factors that determine the success or failure of lean construction adoption. Hence, this study assessed the factors influencing the adoption of Lean Construction Practices among construction firms in the Niger Delta, and also tested the hypothesis which states that there is no significant difference in the opinion of indigenous and multinational construction firms on barriers and drivers of LCP adoption. Design/methodology/approach: Data for the study were obtained using 1174 copies of structured questionnaire administered through random sampling technique. The method of data analysis used included simple percentage, mean score, and Mann-Whitney test. Findings: The study revealed that both the indigenous and multinational construction firms considered the identified drivers and barriers to have high level of influence on Lean Construction Practices adoption in the study area. Research limitations/Implications: This study concluded that there is no significant difference in the opinion of indigenous and multinational firms on the drivers and barriers influencing lean construction practices adoption in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Practical implications: Based on the findings and conclusion, the study recommends that the construction firms should ensure sufficient supports and commitment by senior management, develop sufficient workforce skills to implement lean, develop adequate management/supervisory skills, ensure sustained efforts to engage employees in the meaningful learning experiences, acquire adequate technical knowledge, maintain adequate communication between management and employees/workers, as well as proper/adequate training and mentoring for lean methods.