A Lean Approach to Minimize Cost Overruns in Transportation Projects: A Pre-construction Perspective

A Lean Approach to Minimize Cost Overruns in Transportation Projects: A Pre-construction Perspective

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.60164/qjzyvssgd

Authors: Chahat Mirdha , Maria Calahorra-Jimenez

Citation:

Mirdha, C., and Calahorra-Jimenez, M.(2025). A Lean Approach to Minimize Cost Overruns in Transportation Projects: A Pre-construction Perspective.  Lean Construction Journal 2025 pp. 31-44. https://doi.org/10.60164/qjzyvssgd www.leanconstructionjournal.org

Abstract:

Question: What lean approaches are more suitable for improving pre-construction processes, which, if not performed effectively, are likely to lead to cost overruns in the construction of transportation projects?

Purpose: The purpose of this research is twofold. First, to identify what main pre-construction processes have the potential to lead to cost overruns in construction if not conducted effectively. Two, to identify what lean techniques might be more suitable to improve those processes.

Research Method: This research followed a two-stage methodology. First, the authors conducted a systematic literature review and a focus group to identify and validate the pre-construction processes to be analyzed in the second stage. Second, the authors completed a two-round Delphi Survey to identify and rank the most suitable lean techniques for improving the processes identified in Stage 1.

Findings: The authors found “Risk Identification and Assessment” and “Design Interdisciplinary Reviews” to be the two most relevant pre-construction processes that, if not conducted effectively, might lead to cost overruns in construction. To improve those processes, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Target Value Design (TVD) were found to be suitable for improving both processes. Last Planner System (LPS®) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) were identified for improving “Risk Identification and Assessment” and “Interdisciplinary Design Reviews,” respectively. All the lean approaches identified are based on team collaboration.

Limitations: The results of this research are based on experts’ opinions. Further research should test the effectiveness of using these lean techniques and their impact on minimizing cost overruns in construction.

Implications: The results from this research support the use of collaborative approaches in developing preconstruction processes to minimize construction cost overruns.

Value for authors: The lean approaches proposed as a result of this research might inspire owners and practitioners to boost collaboration within and across pre-construction processes.

Keywords:  Transportation Projects, Cost Overruns, Delphi Survey, Pre-construction

Paper type: Technical Note