34th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 34) - Singapore, Singapore - 2026

https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0275

Social sustainability and human-centered lean practices in modular and off-site construction

Helia Rasouli1, Amirhossein Mehdipoor2, Silvio Melhado3 & Ivanka Iordanova4

1Graduate Student, Department of Construction Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), Montreal, Canada, [email protected]
2Research Officer, National Research Council (NRC) Canada, Ottawa, Canada, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9889-2478
3Professor, Department of Construction Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), Montreal, Canada, [email protected]
4Professor, Department of Construction Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), Montreal, Canada, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4596-2604

Abstract

This paper investigates how Lean Management principles influence social sustainability and human-centered practices in Modular and Off-Site Construction (MOC), highlighting both positive and context-dependent interactions. Using a mixed-method approach combining systematic literature review, NVivo-assisted coding, expert interviews, and quantitative validation, the study examines key social dimensions including workforce well-being, communication, inclusivity, safety, and working conditions. Quantitative results (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.944; Mean Score = 4.11) confirm the significance of the social dimension within Lean–Sustainability integration. Findings indicate that Lean principles such as Respect for People and Continuous Improvement foster collaboration, empowerment, and safety culture, while practices such as Just-in-Time may introduce trade-offs if not adapted to modular workflows. The results are synthesized into a conceptual, expert-validated framework, operationalized through a dual-impact analytical matrix capturing positive, negative, and context-dependent interactions. The study highlights the importance of context-sensitive Lean implementation and provides practical guidance for balancing efficiency and workforce well-being in industrialized construction environments.

Keywords

Modular Off-Site Construction (MOC), lean management, social sustainability

Files


Full Text
 

Reference

Download: BibTeX | RIS Format

Reference in APA 7th edition format:

Rasouli, H., Mehdipoor, A., Melhado, S. & Iordanova, I.. (2026). Social sustainability and human-centered lean practices in modular and off-site construction. In Hamzeh, F., Poshdar, M., & Garcia-Lopez,, N. P. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 34) (pp. 875–886). https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0275

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

Rasouli, H., Mehdipoor, A., Melhado, S. & Iordanova, I.. (2026). Social sustainability and human-centered lean practices in modular and off-site construction. IGLC34. https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0275

 

Founded in 1993, the IGLC is an international network of researchers from practice and academia in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) who feel that the practice, education, and research of the AEC industry have to be radically renewed in order to respond to the global challenges ahead.

2015 © All Rights Reserved.