Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) Analysis of Lean Barriers in Iraqi Construction Projects

Iraqi construction projects are consistently affected by the schedule overruns, cost increases, and frequent quality and safety concerns. Empirical studies link these shortcomings to organizational and technical barriers that hinder the adoption of lean construction. This study identifies, ranks, and structurally analyzes these barriers to the implementation of lean construction practices in Iraq. A field questionnaire of 47 respondents rated 32 barriers drawn from the literature; the barriers with a mean score above 3.4 on a five-point Likert scale were retained for analysis. Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) combined with Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) mapped eleven key barriers into a hierarchy of influence and dependence. The lack of government support for technological advancement stands out as the only driving barrier, with a high influence and low dependence, activating six influential linkage barriers: reliance on traditional management methods, limited technical training, inadequate technology adaptation, absence of performance benchmarks, low practitioner awareness, and insufficient information on lean practices. These barriers, in turn, lead to four dependent barriers: traditional design practices, slow hierarchical decision making, delayed material deliveries, and inefficient use of high-quality materials. The study proposes that stakeholders: (1) lobby government agencies for policies and incentives that encourage the lean practices; (2) enhance the technical skill training and the uptake of digital tools; (3) plan improvement initiatives in line with the ISM and MICMAC hierarchy by addressing the driving and linkage barriers. Implementing these steps can accelerate the adoption of lean construction practices and help reduce the overruns while improving the quality and safety of Iraqi construction projects.