Project Management and the Pandemic: Lean Progress Has Slowed

Abstract

August 10, 2022 Adam Post KEYWORDS Lean Construction / Pandemic / project management / technology adoption Order Reprints No Comments I started working in construction, as many did, at a young age, beginning as a gopher and working my way up. Lean construction protocols that have helped improve on-schedule and on-budget completion by limiting waste and improving efficiency are slipping back to the old ways under the COVID-19 pandemic. Lean construction protocols have proven value, offsetting or preventing troubles that would otherwise push a job into "Troubled project" status. Lean works partly by tapping into a crew's desire to vibrate at the same frequency and deliver the highest quality construction as quickly, efficiently and cost effectively as possible. Lean construction protocols create what seem to be a bit more work for project managers and require keener attention to detail on every aspect of the project. Training employees to take up the Lean construction initiatives-waste management of materials and time, inventory control and increased efficiency-has become more difficult. Adam Post is a senior-level construction project manager who has a graduate degree in construction project management from Wentworth Institute of Technology.