Trends and gaps in lean construction practices for construction of megaprojects: A critical review

Although the rapid growth of construction worldwide, Megaproject management continually encounters extraordinary challenges necessitating the development of new theories and methodologies. Lean construction (LC) is renowned for its ability to eliminate non-value-added activities and enhance value delivery throughout the construction process. It has gained significant attention in the context of megaprojects due to its potential to optimize resource utilization effectively. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the characteristics, and practices status of LC in megaprojects, while also identifying research gaps and future trends. The study employed a mixed-method review methodology, combining bibliometric searches and qualitative content analysis focusing on LC in the context of megaprojects. The analysis identified two primary clusters in the literature: Incorporating Lean Principles for Effective Megaproject Delivery and Lean Practices and Integration with Other Tools. Additionally, the review uncovers previously overlooked topics and highlights critical research gaps. It emphasizes the need for future studies to explore the potential of leveraging Lean Construction (LC) and Just-in-Time (JIT) practices in supply chain management and logistics through advanced tracking systems tailored to megaproject contexts. Key directions for future research include evaluating the impact of lean construction on performance metrics (e.g., cost, time, quality) and sustainability metrics, developing customized frameworks for lean construction in megaprojects, creating tailored performance measurement tools, and investigating the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies for production planning and control. These areas offer opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall project outcomes in the context of construction megaprojects. To guide future research, the paper proposes a framework that connects current research areas with potential future directions.