Factors influencing the use of last planner system methods: An empirical study in Peru

The Last Planner System™ (LPS) is a collaborative production and control system that has been implemented by some contractors in Peru in the last two decades. However, the full potential of its implementation has not been totally achieved. The aim of this research is to identify the most prominent factors that dictate the level of use of LPS methods. To achieve this objective, a survey was designed using variables found in previous research and informed by interviews with LPS experts. Ninety-five site engineers responded to the questionnaire. Data was analysed using reliability analysis and multiple linear regression. It was found that 'Trained staff', 'Good Decision-Making', and 'Commitment' are the factors with the highest scores. Nevertheless, 'Integration and Communication,' and 'LPS-knowledge' were found to be important to bring the successful implementation of LPS methods whilst 'Resistance to Change' and the 'firm size' constraint implementation. The findings suggest that 'Integration and Communication', 'LPS-knowledge', and 'Resistance to Change' are not independent factors, thus, the need to explore second-order factors influencing their variability. Such dependency could be found at the firm and institutional levels. Further research can be extended to the development of a prescriptive model for LPS implementation in construction firms.