Barriers to implementing lean construction practices in the Brazilian construction industry

Objective: Lean construction (LC) is associated with the promotion of benefits to the management of works, reducing waste and increasing the value of the product for the customer. The objectives of this study are to assess the current level of knowledge about Lean practices in construction companies to identify the benefits and potential challenges for the implementation of lean construction in the Brazilian industry. And based on the results of the study propose recommendations. Design / methodology / approach Design: The initial literature review aimed to contextualize Lean Construction, its benefits and its main global challenges. Based on similar studies, such as in India by Devaki and Jayanthi, (2014), in Nigeria by Olamilokun (2015), in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by Sarhan et al. (2017), in Morocco by Bajjou and Chafi (2018), a questionnaire was used for the study of multiple cases. 56 construction companies were evaluated. The results were analyzed statistically by frequency distribution, by weighted average (MIS) to assess the degree of agreement and prioritize them, and by Cronbach's alpha coefficient to measure the reliability of the questionnaire.The results: The study reveals that the Lean Construction situation in Brazil is critical. The level of knowledge about Lean Construction is low, and consequently the adoption as well. As in other countries, fluency in traditional practices is the highest barrier, but other critical barriers point to lack of knowledge about lean construction, lack of technical qualification, and difficulties in understanding lean construction concepts at very high levels not found in similar studies. The Study points out universities as a great opportunity to change the LC scenario in the Brazilian industry. Originality / value: Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, the eighth largest economy in the world. Conducting studies on LC in the Brazilian civil construction industry in comparison with similar international studies can reveal gaps and consequently solutions that may be important for the academic community and industry worldwide.