A Case Study of Last Planner System Implementation in Nigeria

The work described in this paper presents preliminary results of an ongoing Research project. It focuses on the implementation of Lean Construction (LC) technique to improve construction management practice in Nigeria. To achieve this, design science research strategy was undertaken with different data collection methods. These methods included direct observations, interviews, questionnaires and documentary analysis. The research was carried out in a University construction site, where four prototype hostel buildings were being constructed simultaneously by four different contractors. LC technique via the Last Planner Systems (LPS) was adopted by one of the contractors in the construction of one of the hostel building. The results reveal that the LC project made significant improvements in terms of; the timely completion of the project, 30% cost savings as against the others and an average Percentage Plan Completed (PPC) of 80%. These improvements were facilitated by the way the site was planned, managed and controlled using LPS. Last Planner System (LPS) is the most developed LC tool used in improving work plans and control of projects. The paper concludes by discussing possible barriers hindering the full potential of LPS. These barriers include; lack of commitment to change and innovation, and starting off the implementation half way into start of the project. The critical success factors are also discussed and further research is being proposed.