Integration of Lean Construction and Buffer Management – A Systematic Literature Review

Question: How to integrate Lean Construction and buffer management in the construction industry? Purpose: The application of Lean Construction (LC) with buffer management as the efficient method for improving delivering construction projects has been acknowledged by construction academics and professionals. However, a substantial part of this integration lacks systematization. Therefore, this study is performed to review and categorize the key themes in which the interrelationship between LC and buffer system has been discussed and conceptualized in the attributes Research Method: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) including 51 papers from 2003 to 2023 was performed using Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and ProQuest databases. Findings: This study examines three topics of LC and buffer management integration which are theoretical aspects of this integration, approaches that enhance this integration, and Lean Construction tools implicate buffer system. The results suggested that few works have been done for the practical dimension of this integration, while great progress has already been achieved for the theoretical dimensions. Limitations: This study used specific databases with certain keywords, but the number of research repositories and databases are increasing, and those are updated continuously which contributes towards limitations and future research both. Implications: Owners/developers would do well to embrace buffer management given its strategic contributions to LC. Moreover, it is important to apply the integrated system through all stages of the construction projects to achieve comprehensiveness and applicability. Value for practitioners: A number of research gaps are singled out within these areas of integration between LC and buffer management, to induce new ways and perspectives in LC and buffer management field of research that may be fruitful in filling these gaps. Keywords: Construction management, Lean Construction, Buffer management, Just in Time (JIT) Paper type: Full Paper.