Factors affecting the management of Riyadh's construction sector in the light of COVID-19

Heliyon. 2022 Nov 26;8(11):e11899. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11899. eCollection 2022 Nov.

Abstract

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. While countries have begun to ease restrictions and lockdowns, factors influencing the construction sector should be examined in light of COVID-19. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the factors that impact Riyadh's construction sector in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. A systematic review of previous publications was conducted to develop a questionnaire to achieve the research goal, 67 valid copies of the questionnaire were received. The data were analyzed using reliability analysis and RII. Results factors were classified into four main groups (Managerial factors - Economic factors - Social and Cultural factors - Environmental Factors). The top factors affecting Riyadh's construction sector were Abandonment of talent and expertise by business owners during the pandemic period (Managerial group); Conflict in bidding prices by contractors due to the lack of projects offered due to the pandemic (Economic group); Customs, traditions and social relations in the areas in which the projects are implemented (Social and Cultural group); and The process of requesting raw materials, whether local or imported from abroad and its effects (Environmental group).

Keywords: COVID-19; Construction Management; Construction Sector; Riyadh.