Title: Managing construction delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK construction industry

Authors: Temitope Omotayo; Tom R. Brudenell; Ayokunle Olanipekun; Temitope Egbelakin

Addresses: School of Built Environment Engineering and Computing, Leeds Beckett University, LS2-8AG, UK ' NG Bailey, Unit 4 West Point Row, Great Park Road, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32-4QG, UK ' School of Built Environment, University of Wolverhampton, WV1-1LY, UK ' School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia

Abstract: This study focused on maintaining the delivery of construction projects in a crisis scenario such as the COVID-19 pandemic to drawing construction project management lessons for future projects. A qualitative interpretive approach comprising a semi-structured interview was employed to understand the responses and strategies used by six interviewees in construction companies to maintain high productivity levels in their projects during the pandemic. Data obtained were subjected to thematic analysis to establish reoccurring strategies. The results revealed a clear disparity in the level of productivity that was achieved onsite and in the office. The UK construction industry is vulnerable to crisis, and individual organisations must build more resilience. Delays in project delivery were endemic during the peak of COVID-19, and contingency measures must be in place to bolster the efforts of onsite construction workers to meet deadlines. Finally, an extension of time due to the declaration of force majeure is not enough to support productivity.

Keywords: COVID-19; crisis management; disruption; productivity project delivery; UK.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBGE.2024.136988

International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics, 2024 Vol.18 No.2, pp.188 - 214

Received: 03 Aug 2021
Accepted: 23 May 2022
Published online: 01 Mar 2024 *

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