ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL PANDEMIC ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: IMPACT FACTORS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

Following the global pandemic outbreak, construction industry has faced considerable disruptions and challenges. For creating efficient plans and policies to reduce the negative consequences, it is essential to understand the causes that have affected this industry. The objective of this research was to find and assess the variables that have affected construction industry during and post-pandemic era of Covid-19 and determine their mitigation strategies. Fifteen (15) impact factors were identified and prioritized created on Relative Importance Index (RII), and 25 mitigation strategies were found. This was done after conducting an extensive literature review and gathering expert judgment. Quantitative assessment of these factors was formulated in this study, offering valuable insights into the relative importance of these factors, which contributed to shape the construction industry's landscape during and after the pandemic. In last, the relationships were made to assign the relative mitigation strategies to each impact factor. Policymakers, industry professionals, and stakeholders are direct beneficiaries of this study include who can utilize the findings to develop effective strategies, policies, and mitigation strategies to successfully overcome the challenges posed by the identified impact factors during and post-pandemic era of Covid-19 on construction sector.