Integrated framework for reducing administrative waste through Lean Office in quantity surveying consultancy firms

Quantity Surveyors (QSs) play an important role in the construction industry through cost management, procurement, and contract administration. Nevertheless, these functions are frequently constrained by administrative inefficiencies that undermine productivity and sustainability. This study addresses this critical gap by developing a framework for the convergence of Lean Office tools and techniques to reduce administrative waste in consultant quantity surveying roles. Adopting an interpretivist philosophy, the study employed a qualitative Delphi technique with 20 lean-experienced QS experts. Manual content analysis was employed to classify QS roles, administrative waste types, and suitable lean tools and techniques for waste reduction. The findings indicate that administrative waste is widespread across three key functional areas: cost and financial management, legal and contract management, and measurement, documentation, and procurement. Common wastes included inaccurate information, outdated systems, poor planning, and excessive meetings. Lean tools such as Standardised Work, 5S, Visual Management, and BIM were identified as particularly effective when tailored to role-specific needs. Tailored combinations of these tools contributed to improved efficiency, reduced rework, and better decision-making. The study recommends lean training, standardised digital documentation, and strengthened cross-disciplinary collaboration to sustain long-term improvements, ultimately enabling QSs to focus on value-adding activities and enhance overall project delivery performance.