Critical Factors Influencing Construction Schedule during COVID-19

This research was conducted to investigate the factors that contributed to construction amid the COVID-19 crisis and to learn how to mitigate or eliminate them during future crises.  A systematic literature search was performed to identify the factors contributing to schedule overruns during the pandemic, and based on the information collected, a questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to construction professionals to obtain their perspectives on the factors identified. A total of 103 completed responses were received to the questionnaire, and a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed of the responses, followed by the development of a multinomial logistic regression model, using a statistical tool in SPSS. The results of the principal component analysis extracted two components, explaining approximately 68% of the variation data. Factors such as scarcity of labor force, shortage of competent workers, challenges in obtaining required materials, and limited access to heavy machinery were found to be highly influential. It was also found that two new synthesis variables, resource availability and management, coordination and operational challenges played a critical role in explaining the variations in schedule overruns, and the scale of construction entities was found to be statistically significant in analyzing the factors contributing to schedule overruns. This study provides key findings for decision-makers and project management professionals in the construction sector, by enhancing their understanding of how to effectively manage projects during a pandemic or any similar crisis.