Thompson, D.; Chileshe, N.; Coggins, J. and Stevels, A. (2025) COVID-19 challenges on construction-related SMEs and response strategies: A scoping review. International Journal of Construction Management, 25(14), pp. 1649-1659. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
Australian construction firms are collapsing at unprecedented levels. A significant proportion of these are Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This trend arose since the COVID pandemic and whilst this phenomenon did not present new challenges, the combination of issues arising has presented a unique opportunity for research into and development of a strategic framework to strengthen resilience for this sector of the construction industry. This study undertakes a scoping review of research literature, without geographical boundaries, to determine the extent studies across the globe have examined how SMEs strategically managed this phenomenon. After screening 153 titles and abstracts, followed by 65 full texts, 24 publications satisfied all inclusion criteria (namely, COVID impacts on construction SMEs and respondent strategies). Emerging themes concerning the challenges faced included staff well-being and work arrangements, disrupted supply chains, labour shortages, financial implications, and project delays. Key response strategies were categorised as technology, culture, procedures and equipment, collaboration, financial and risk management. This study highlights the scarcity and limitations of extant literature. It demonstrates the need for exploration, at depth, to provide the necessary understanding of what is needed for effective and efficient strategic management in construction SMEs, particularly in times of crisis.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | challenges; construction industry; COVID-19; management strategies; resources; SMEs; stakeholders |
| Index terms: | well-being, strategic management, collaboration, screening, labour shortage, management strategy, pandemic, strategy, construction firm, boundaries, construction industry, exploration, project delay, risk management, COVID-19, publication |
| Subjects: | risk assessment, economics, mental health and wellbeing, health risk and incident analysis, organization, environmental resource management, property law, industry analysis, management, project controls, research dissemination and communication |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Organizational Design, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Human Resources, Legal Issues, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Research Practice, Time Control, Information Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here