Onubi, H O; Hassan, A S; Yusof, N and Bahdad, A A S (2023) Moderating effect of project size on the relationship between COVID-19 safety protocols and economic performance of construction projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(6), pp. 2206-2230. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The COVID-19 health crisis has brought about a set of extra health and safety regulations, and procedures to the construction industry which could influence projects' economic performance (EP). The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of adopting COVID-19 safety protocols on construction sites on the economic performance (EP) of construction projects. Design/methodology/approach: Employing the survey method using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from small- and large-sized construction projects in Nigeria and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique. Findings: The findings reveal that job re-organization and sanitization have negative significant effects on EP, while social distancing and specific training have no effect on EP. Furthermore, project size moderates the relationship between job re-organization, sanitization, specific training and EP with the stronger effect on the relationships observed in big projects, except for the relationship between sanitization and EP where the moderating relationship is stronger in small projects. However, there is no significant moderating effect of project size on the relationship between social distancing and EP. Practical implications: As construction project sites continue to operate amidst strict safety protocols, this study offers theoretical and practical insights on how construction projects can adhere to the safety protocols while performing economically. Originality/value: The originality of this study's findings stems from the fact that it is among the first to provide greater insight on how construction projects have fared economically considering the impact of the various COVID-19 protocols.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | economic performance; job re-organization; project size; sanitization; social distancing; specific training |
| Index terms: | construction industry, small project, Nigeria, partial least square, methodology, social distancing, construction project, regulation, questionnaire, structural equation modelling, construction site, survey, COVID-19, health and safety |
| Subjects: | health risk and incident analysis, research methods, health safety and environment, Geography, production management, industry analysis, political science, statistical analysis, environmental health, data collection methods, work location |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Governance, Sustainability, Site Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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