SINGAPORE'S CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN MANAGING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

Abstract

COVID-19 has impacted the world significantly, affecting daily lives especially in the construction industry. In light of the crisis, the study has found that the industry has faced many issues such as the delayed procurement of materials and plants, issues with cash flow, delays in the construction timeline, financing restrictions and labour crunch.

Given the aforementioned major impacts of COVID-19, there is a need to study how Singapore construction firms have managed the crisis and how to better adapt to the new normal. Hence, this dissertation also aims to study the relevant barriers and drivers in managing the crisis and provide recommendations to better handle its impacts.

To achieve study objectives, literature reviews were first conducted. Thereafter, a questionnaire survey and interview questions were generated. A total of 12 barriers and 17 drivers for construction firms in managing the COVID-19 crisis were identified and classified under relevant institutional pillars through Scott’s institutional theory. For the industry to better adapt to the new normal, it was found that productivity resumption and ensuring safety at worksites were key factors, and the industry should consider the adoption of labour-efficient construction technologies and digitalisation.

The study surveyed 30 targeted respondents and 6 interviewees. Survey results were then analysed using a one-sample t-test to ascertain the significance of each factor at a 95% confidence level. Interview findings were used to support the analysis of survey results and to formulate recommendations of how the industry can better adapt to the new normal in productivity and safety.