Construction Firms Research Articles

THE IMPACT OF TOP MANAGEMENT FEATURES ON SOUTH ALABAMA CONSTRICTIONS COMPANIES' FIRM PERFORMANCE: THE ROLE OF BOARD SIZE AS A MODERATOR

Understanding the impact of top management on South Alabama's construction firms is vital. This study investigates the relationship between specific top management traits, with a focus on gender diversity, and the financial performance of these businesses from 2018 to 2021. Using regression analysis, we assess top management's influence and explore whether board size moderates this relationship. Preliminary findings suggest that larger top management teams have a statistically significant, though negative, effect on corporate performance. The research also underscores the significance of top management's financial background and the presence of women in managerial roles on company performance. This study's uniqueness lies in its exclusive focus on South Alabama's construction industry, providing valuable insights. It assists businesses in making informed decisions about leadership and governance structures for long-term success. Policymakers can benefit by understanding how top management traits and gender diversity affect business success, informing diversity and inclusion initiatives in corporate leadership. Shareholders and investors can gain a deeper understanding of top management's role in performance, aiding investment decisions. Identifying key success factors supports strategic planning to maximize shareholder value. This study offers valuable insights into South Alabama's construction industry, enhancing our understanding of top management's impact on performance. By examining the interplay between top management traits, board dynamics, and company performance, it provides practical insights for improved decision-making, diversity, and long-term industry development.

Organisational culture and construction employee safety

Organisational culture plays a critical role in the functioning and identity of an organisation. The study examined Schein’s model based on artifacts, espoused values, and basic assumptions to determine the level of influence on construction employees’ safety. Online questionnaire administration among medium-sized construction firms in the Central Region of Ghana was employed for the data collection. The designed questionnaire was used to gather the opinions of supervisors, foremen, and workers in the construction industry. Descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII) were utilised to analyse the findings. The results reveal that work environment design and workplace cleanliness were the most influential artifacts impacting employee safety. Regarding espoused values, the organisation’s strategies and employee safety played a significant role in ensuring a safe workplace. Additionally, variables related to self-awareness and freedom of expression had substantial importance in the realm of basic underlying assumptions. Understanding the relationship between organisational culture and employee safety is crucial for creating safe work environments and fostering a safety culture. Construction firms can enhance employee safety and achieve corporate goals by addressing artifacts, espoused values, and assumptions. The results of this study are beneficial to construction project managers, contractors, and construction management researchers, as they offer insights into creating safer work environments and improving employee well-being through organisational culture.

Can Business Models Facilitate Strategic Transformation in Construction Firms? A Systematic Review and Research Agenda

A business model represents an organisation’s value logic with a value proposition as the central dimension. The construction industry has been categorised as fragmented, slow to move and destructively competitive, idealising only cost-based perceptions of performance; however, recent trends indicate a paradigm shift in the sector emphasising value-based perspectives such as early engagement, design for manufacture and assembly, and a lifecycle approach by promoting a conscious discourse on business model innovation. This paper presents a systematic review and integration of research on business models in the construction industry. The findings illuminate the potential of business models as creative tools for strategy formulation, the importance of strategic partnerships in novel business models, and the bridging role that business models play between technology integration and strategy formulation. Based on the findings, the paper proposes future research directions, including understanding how managers can steer conflicts towards cooperative competition (coopetition), exploring various pathways (leaping and drifting) for business model innovation and project-based business model innovation. The paper establishes that using a business model approach to facilitate strategic transformation can help construction firms resolve some of the most pressing challenges, such as customer dissatisfaction, fragmentation, and slow technology uptake.

Investigating The Stakeholders' Attitudes Towards Prioritizing Agile Project Management Strategies as A Change Management Tool in Construction Projects

Construction projects face several problems in order to achieve their goals (time – cost – quality) especially since it has many inputs such as materials, labor and machinery. Measuring these goals in the money language is the key to their integration, so reducing costs is an important aspect of any project. One of the ways to reduce costs is to focus on how to avoid implementation problems and the financial implications of it. Several factors including irregular financial flows, poor management due to the lack of programs that support the administrative awareness of projects, financial and administrative instability, poor control and supervision, unskilled labor, insufficient machinery, inappropriate timing for the arrival of materials, changes in the construction conditions, lack of clarity of specifications, insufficient preparation during the pre-implementation stages, imposed regulations and laws, and other factors that contribute to problems in the implementation of major national projects. This study aimed to enhance the general understanding concerning the factors that affect the adoption of APM strategies in construction industry. The research relied on the inductive-analytical approach through conducting a questionnaire among stakeholders to analyze major development construction projects which can be benefited from applying the concept of agility to reduce project failure, then presenting and analyzing results of the survey questionnaire conducted with a sample of Egyptian design and construction firms to investigate their perception and application of prioritizing agile project management strategies as a change management tool in construction. The results of the thesis suggested that the Agile methodology is likely to yield significant benefits, primarily characterized by enhanced client engagement. The Agile approach significantly encourages increased customer engagement in the project as opposed to the current scenario. Additionally, it has the potential to reduce uncertainty and enhance risk management. The implementation of time management techniques and regular meetings is advantageous in monitoring the development and status of the project.

Analysis of Housing Finance Payment Plans on the Axis of Interest and Garar in Line with Islamic Finance Principles

The paper titled "Analysis of Housing Finance Payment Plans in the Context of Interest and Uncertainty (Garar)" represents a study that examines housing finance payment plans within the framework of interest and the concept of uncertainty. Financing methods employed for housing acquisition can generally be categorized into loans obtained from financial institutions and payment plans offered by construction companies. Credit institutions are assessed in terms of interest, while payment plans provided by construction firms are evaluated based on the principle of uncertainty (garar). The significance of this paper lies in its assessment of the compatibility of housing finance payment plans with Islamic finance principles. In Islamic law, interest (riba) and uncertainty (garar) are considered prohibited, and efforts are made to establish a financial system that adheres to fair and permissible practices. This paper contributes to comprehending the Islamic finance perspective by evaluating the alignment of housing finance payment plans with these principles. The payment plans presented to buyers are marketed as being compliant with the criteria of being halal (permissible), caiz, and adhering to Islamic finance standards. In this context, it is believed that this paper will contribute to promoting literacy in Islamic finance. The main objective of this paper is to analyze housing finance payment plans in terms of interest and uncertainty and assess their adherence to Islamic finance principles. This evaluation encompasses determining whether these payment plans are halal or haram (forbidden) and whether they adhere to Islamic finance principles such as justice, transparency, and fairness. The methodology employed involves a detailed examination and analysis of housing finance payment plans. This entails evaluating factors such as interest rates, the level of uncertainty, hidden costs, and other financial details. Additionally, Islamic law and Islamic finance regulations are studied to assess conformity with Islamic finance principles. The analysis is conducted by considering various financing types, including conventional bank loans, savings-based payment plans, and alternative payment plans offered by Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) within the framework of Islamic finance criteria. The outcomes of this study demonstrate the extent to which housing finance payment plans align with Islamic finance principles concerning interest and uncertainty. The results identify to what degree payment plans adhere to Islamic finance principles, potential elements of non-compliance (haram), and alternative solutions. Accordingly, alternative models such as murabaha, teverruk, and musharakah-i mutanaqisa, which are employed in participatory banking, are recommended as substitutes for the interest-based debt system utilized by conventional banks. The study emphasizes an approach closer to the real economy through "participatory banking." Moreover, the study highlights that payment plans, particularly models linked to inflation or the dollar, presented by REITs cannot be considered permissible within the scope of uncertainty (garar). Instead, the study suggests opting for fixed payment plans with varying maturity periods, which are more in line with Islamic law.

The Effect of GCG and Leverage on Financial Performance: Evidence from Construction Firms

This study aims to investigate the impact of GCG (Governance Code Guidelines) and leverage on the financial performance of construction and building firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange between 2018 and 2021. The research involved 22 firms in the building construction sector, and data collection utilized a purposive sampling method to examine eight selected firms. The analysis method employed was Multiple Linear Regression. The findings indicate that the Independent Board of Commissioners has no significant effect on financial performance, whereas GCG (Board of Directors) negatively influences Financial Performance. Additionally, Leverage (DER and DAR) impacts Financial Performance. Firm management can use GCG and leverage as strategic tools to enhance financial performance and communicate this information to the market. Firms implementing good corporate governance and showcasing concern for the environment can receive incentives or reputation benefits from the community, which can further improve their financial performance

Factors inhibiting the adoption of industrial revolution 4.0 in Malaysian construction industry

PurposeThe construction industry is a major economic driver in Malaysia, playing a pivotal role in the developing nations economic growth. Malaysia's reliance on labor-driven construction practices often sees local industry lagging in adopting technological advancements common to the construction sector on a global scale. This study investigates the challenges faced by project players in using new construction industrial revolution (IR) 4.0 technologies and the difficulties in implementing these technologies in construction projects.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative survey was distributed to 183 practitioners in the Malaysian construction industry. The collected data (N = 121) has been analyzed using statistical software to calculate relative importance index values for the identified factors. A triangulation approach to validate the factors obtained from the survey was conducted with an expert group to ensure there were no additional considerations identified in the study.FindingsThe study results show that the main factors in adopting construction IR 4.0 technologies are 1) high implementation costs, 2) hesitation to adopt technologies, 3) lack of standards, 4) legal and contractual uncertainty and 5) complexity. By investigating these factors, cost and regulation issues can gradually be resolved, with construction firms implementing new technologies, educating workers and ensuring government involvement in training for skill development to support IR 4.0.Originality/valueThe outcome of these efforts to resolve construction productivity would be beneficial in their industry impact on practice and digital transformation. Additionally, the results add to the body of knowledge for construction practitioners and technology developers to work together efficiently on the implementation of construction 4.0 technologies.

Analysis of productivity performance of real estate and construction firms in Indonesia

Sustained total factor productivity (TFP) growth of firms is essential to achieve sustained supply growth, which is necessary to solve the housing shortage and affordability problems. Existing productivity literature focuses on large firms whilst smaller firms make a significant contribution to the total supply. This paper investigates the productivity of 363 Indonesian real estate construction firms of medium and large sizes. We estimate Färe-Primont TFP measures under the meta-frontier framework, accounting for differences in the overall technologies under which each group of firms operates. Results deliver several important findings. First, large firms have higher productivity levels than medium firms, but average productivity levels are very low. Second, the productivity growth of large and medium firms is negative, which contributes to the growth of the housing shortage in Indonesia from 2012 to 2016. Third, in case of easier transfer or spill-over of production technologies between two firm groups, firms could enhance further their efficiency and productivity. Fourth, those factors related to branch numbers, legal structure and experience of doing business have positive correlations with the productivity performance of firms in both large and medium groups. Additionally, medium firms could gain higher productivity by diversifying their income. Importantly, our study shows evidence to support that government subsidies have a positive influence on the productivity level of medium firms.

Evaluating the Impact of Risk Factors on Construction Projects of Foci in Nigeria

Risk management is a vital project management planning and control tool for reducing uncertainty and improving decision-making. Risk cannot be avoided but must be recognized, assessed and managed. One of the challenges facing the construction in Nigeria is how to assess the risk of cost overruns and deliver projects within budget. These risks can cause losses and lead to increase in costs, time delays and lack of quality project delivery. The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the impact of the risk factors on construction projects of Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) in Nigeria and likelihood of occurrence and degree of usage of risk analytical techniques. A total of 171 self-administered questionnaires were sent out to registered construction firms with the FOCI in Nigeria and 146 was returned representing 85.38% of respondent rate. Results of the study indicated that unavailability of funds, construction delay, inadequate specification with MIS 3.42, 3.18, 3.05, 3.04 and 3.03 ranked first, second, third, fourth and fifth, respectively as the most impactful risk factors to construction projects. Delphi Method, influencing diagram and portfolio with mean score of 3.38, 3.28 and 3.14, respectively were prominent among the analytical techniques on construction projects. However, Monte Carlo Simulation and Latin-Hyper-Cube with mean score of 2.82 and 2.92 respectively were the least from the rear. T-Test showed that only Sensitivity Analysis (111.425, P<0.05), Probabilistic analysis (55.534, P<0.05), Influence Diagram (26.164, P< 0.05), Decision Tree Analysis (25.726, P<0.05), Latin – Hyper-Cube (22.430, P<0.05), Monte Carlo Simulation (20.247, P<0.05), Delphi Method (18.493, P<0.05) as frequent of usage of alternative decision, have significant influence on risk analysis. From this study, various sets of risk factors impact differently on construction projects. Therefore, there should be adequate provision and incorporation of risks factors into the bid estimates and contractors should be encouraged to assess and consider these risks factors when bidding; so as to avert the problem of time and cost overrun.

Construction and Demolition Waste Management in a Developing Country: A Nigerian Scenario

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is an important waste composition receiving attention from policymakers and researchers globally due to the negative impacts associated with its management. This paper explores construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) in Nigeria with a view to understanding CDWM’s practices as perceived by the policymakers, waste managers and other stakeholders in the construction industry. A descriptive qualitative research design was adopted with data obtained from secondary sources. Findings revealed that CDWM is not a recent phenomenon in Nigeria but there is a renewed interest in it in the last decade. Findings also revealed that CDW does not receive the deserved attention from the constituted authority and stakeholders in the construction industry. While there is a low level of awareness regarding the negative impacts of CDW on public health and the environment, most construction firms and contractors have resorted to unsustainable disposal methods of open dumping, burning, and landfilling. Further findings revealed the potential for sustainable CDWM of reusing, recycling, and composting. Finally, the paper put forward recommendations that would chart a course for sustainable CDWM in Nigeria if implemented.

Citizenship fatigue and employee commitment: moderating role of psychological ownership among artisans of family-owned construction firms

The study investigates an association between citizenship fatigue, psychological ownership, and employee commitment among artisans of family construction firms. A purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 121 family-owned construction companies and 295 respondents, respectively, in Ghana. Data was collected using either self-reported or interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using a partial least squares structural equation model. Citizenship fatigue negatively influences employees’ commitment. Additionally, employee commitment was positively predicted by psychological ownership. Finally, psychological ownership moderates the link between citizenship fatigue and employee commitment. The effects of moderation of psychological ownership on employee commitment were found to be higher for lower citizenship fatigue and lower in the face of higher citizenship fatigue. This study represents a pioneering investigation into the role of psychological ownership as a boundary condition in the relationship between citizenship fatigue and employee commitment among artisans employed by family-owned construction firms. The findings suggest employees act as stewards when they possess a sense of ownership feeling towards the firm. Consequently, management of family construction firms must work to enhance employees’ ownership feelings to mitigate the effect of the phenomenon of citizenship fatigue on their levels of commitment in the work environment.

THE BEE CONCEPT IN THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT SYSTEM: THE PERSPECTIVE OF CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

South Africa's government introduced the BEE policy to help disadvantaged individuals participate in economic activities. This study examined the perceptions of construction professionals concerning the BEE policy. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, the interview questions were emailed to 35 black construction professionals randomly selected, of which 20 were received. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings show that although participants believed the policy had achieved some success since its implementation, there are still challenges hindering the attainment of the project objectives. Some of the positive aspects of the policy are that it has helped previously disadvantaged individuals, increased opportunity for local companies and improved fairness in the procurement systems. The challenges of the policy were identified as restricting the participation of experienced and foreign construction firms in the public procurement process. Again, the policy must be strictly enforced to sustain and achieve the desired outcome. The government must ensure strict adherence to the policy implementation to benefit the intended people to realize the policy objectives. Measures should be put in place to ensure the sustainability of the policy. The study reveals the perceptions of the policy beneficiaries in the construction sector, which may guide the policy implementers on areas of improvement to achieve the policy objectives.

Feasibility analysis of automation for commercial construction project

The use of automation technology in the construction sector may cover a wide variety of operations, from the early design stage through on-site building construction, building maintenance, building control, and finally building disassembly or demolition. The extent of automation adoption varies greatly from one construction phase to the next. These days, as opposed to using automation for on-site operations, the use of automation in the construction sector has several important advantages, including increased worker safety at work, improved quality and cost-effectiveness above that of trained labor, and increased productivity and job efficiency. Research gaps need to be filled to address automated manufacturing process innovation. This study has been carried out most promising areas where automation is required with the help of scientific analysis through a questionnaire survey. This study identifies critical areas for improvement in automation in the work process in commercial construction projects. The respondents comprised site engineers, project managers, and supervisors of construction firms. The relative importance index is used in this study. Using the results of this study, categorized the primary variables for improvement like workers' safety alert procedures, reducing labor cost and construction delay, core test team under multiple projects, impropriate construction method, and better quality of life of the structure.

An Integrated Multicriteria Sorting Methodology with q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Sets for Evaluating the Impacts of Delays on Residential Construction Projects

This study offers an integrated evaluation methodology for construction project delay causes viewed as a multicriteria sorting (MCS) problem. Time, cost, and quality were the three project management factors considered as criteria to evaluate 38 identified delay causes. The priority weights were extracted using the integration of Weighted Influence Non-linear Gauge Systems (WINGS) and Level-Based Weight Assessment (LBWA) to capture the inherent interdependencies of the criteria. The sorting of 38 delay causes was performed using FlowSort. To handle the uncertainty and vagueness of the judgments of the decision makers in the evaluation process, q-rung fuzzy orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFS) were integrated within the proposed computational framework. The proposed novel q-ROF–WINGS–LBWA–FlowSort method was applied in an actual case study in residential construction projects. The delay causes were categorized under three categories of construction firm vulnerability into four levels of impact. In highly vulnerable construction firms, thirty-five delay causes have a high impact, two have a moderate impact, and one has the least impact. In moderately vulnerable and least-vulnerable construction firms, 32 and 28 delay causes have a medium impact, respectively. The results may provide insights for decision makers in highly vulnerable construction firms, i.e., small companies with limited resources and networks. Layers of sensitivity and comparative analyses were put forward to test the robustness of the approach.

Enablers and barriers to mental health initiatives in construction SMEs.

Mental ill-health is prevalent in the construction industry, and workers in small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are at high risk. Knowledge about the implementation of mental health initiatives in construction SMEs is limited. To explore enablers and barriers to implementing mental health initiatives within UK SME construction firms from the perspective of the business owners, directors and managers with responsibilities for workplace mental health. Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews conducted with company owners/managers with responsibilities for workforce mental health. Participants were sampled from construction SMEs in the UK. Eleven construction professionals were interviewed (10 men, 1 woman; aged 34-55 years, M = 40.6) representing UK SME construction firms that were micro (<10 employees, n = 8), small (<50 employees, n = 1) and medium (<250 employees, n = 2) sized organizations. Reflexive thematic analysis generated four themes: (i) traditional views and macho culture, identified as barriers to implementation; (ii) mental health awareness, knowledge and education; (iii) valuing good mental health and (iv) a reactive or proactive approach to mental health, which all served as both enablers and barriers depending on perspective and context. This study sheds light on an under-researched but high-risk category of workers experiencing poor mental health. We provide recommendations for policy and practice with a 'call to action' for SME owners, industry and policymakers to embark on workplace mental health implementation projects in SME settings.

Factors inhibiting energy access in the delivery of construction projects in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Energy plays a vital role in all human endeavours. However, access to energy globally is limited, and concerted efforts are being made to bridge this gap. Little empirical works exist on the energy situation in the delivery of construction and infrastructure projects in Nigeria. The specific objectives of this study assessed the level of access to energy sources, factors inhibiting energy access, and benefits of energy access for the delivery of construction projects. Data reported in this paper were collected through a quantitative research approach whereby copies of the questionnaire were administered to small, medium, and large-sized construction firms in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria. This study’s findings revealed that the most accessible energy source for construction activities in Lagos Metropolis is automotive gas oil (diesel). Furthermore, the study established that factors inhibiting access to energy for the delivery of construction projects are efficient supply and distribution, government regulation, and inadequate infrastructure. The paper concludes that access to energy for construction works in Nigeria is inadequate due to poor implementation of government policies on energy provision. The paper recommends creating new strategies to implement policies to improve access to energy in Nigeria.

Implementing the principles of circular economy in the construction industry: exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of strategies

Purpose This study aims to examine the strategies that can be adopted to enhance the practice of circular economy (CE) principles among built environment (BE) firms operating in the Ghanaian Construction Industry (GCI). Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire survey was used to solicit the views of 162 BE professionals working in construction, consulting, and developer firms on the issue under investigation. The questionnaire was developed through a review of related literature and complemented with a pilot review. Data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings The findings revealed four major categories of strategies (i.e. systems and technical related strategies, market orientation and operational strategies, knowledge dissemination and awareness-related strategies, and environmental and regulatory strategies) to promote the practice of the principles of CE among BE professionals in the GCI. Originality/value This study’s findings provide insights into an under-investigated topic in the construction industry, especially, in a developing country such as Ghana, and offer new and additional information and insights into the current state-of-the-art on CE implementation.

Optimising the material emissions of single-dwelling residential buildings using the dynamic life cycle iteration protocols

While developed countries progress in environmental impact mitigation, developing economies struggle to lessen the severity of environmental impact and improve performance strategies. As of 2021, only 199 research publications were linked to African Life Cycle Assessment investigations highlighting the environmental consequences and lack of research in developing countries. In 2022 Ghana's global environmental performance was ranked 170th out of 180 countries, with a score of 27.70 out of 100, showing a ten-year trend of -6.1. This study aimed to optimise single-dwelling residential buildings' material emissions from cradle to gate using first principles through the dynamic life cycle iteration protocols. The following objectives were set: 1) to identify the primary materials in a typical Ghanaian single-family dwelling and apply first principles to model the environmental impact, and 2) to replace the materials with an environmentally friendly type through iteration optimisation. The Building Information Modelling in Revit 2021 was used to design and take off quantities of the materials. The optimisation was conducted through iterations using MS Excel. The baseline model showed that steel and aluminium products generated frontal results of 28.64 ton CO2eq/m2 and 1.96 ton CO2eq/m2, representing 92% and 6% of the total GWP100, respectively. A decrease of 39% in GWP100 emissions was made possible by employing concrete blocks instead of expandable lightweight concrete clay blocks. It is noteworthy that gypsum plasterboard had the lowest material impact across the GWP100, emitting 1895.40 kgCO2eq/m2, or 0.81 percent carbon, during the production phase. The results of this study can aid the many real estate developers and construction firms in developing nations who want to build residential homes using sustainable materials to lessen the effects of climate change caused by using building materials.

Assessment of corporate social responsibility performance for Vietnamese construction organizations

Purpose Corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance is critical to address construction activities’ environmental and social impacts. This study aims to evaluate the level of CSR implementation across various categories within the context of the Vietnamese construction industry. Design/methodology/approach The literature review and semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine Vietnamese construction organizations’ most commonly implemented CSR activities. A total of 252 valid responses were then obtained through a questionnaire survey. In addition, the fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) method was used to evaluate the extent to which CSR categories have been implemented in construction companies. Findings The findings revealed 31 commonly implemented CSR activities of the Vietnamese construction firms, which were grouped into four categories. Of the four categories, the FSE analysis showed that stakeholder CSR was the most critical category, followed by ethical CSR, philanthropic CSR and environmental CSR. Originality/value This research provides valuable CSR activities to construction companies that intend to develop sustainably. Moreover, the proposed prioritization methodology offers practitioners a reliable and easy-to-use evaluation tool that clearly understands CSR performance within their organizations.

The disruptive factors and longevity effects of Covid-19 and Brexit on the SMEs construction supply chain in the UK

PurposeSupply chain disruptions have a significant impact on overall project delivery. This study aims to identify the supply chain disruptive factors and develop a framework to mitigate the disruptive effects on the supply chain. Covid-19 and Brexit disruption and their longevity effects in the short, medium and long term on the supply chain are relied upon to develop the framework.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a mixed-method approach with a sequential explanatory design. The main disruptive factors were identified through a literature review, and key factors were selected through a focus group exercise. A questionnaire survey was carried out to sample opinions from the practitioners; 41 questionnaires were received and analysed using the relative importance index (RII) method for ranking the factors and percentage frequency distribution to determine the longevity effects. Five follow-up semi-structured interviews were conducted over the telephone and later transcribed.FindingsThe results of Covid-19 disruption indicate that material cost increase ranked first (RII: 0.863), logistics cost increase and supply chain interaction ranked second and third, respectively. They have long-term, medium-term and short-term longevity effects, respectively. The lowest-rated factors were communication (RII: 0.561), staff shortages (RII: 0.629) and impact on relationships (RII: 0.639). The three most ranked Brexit disruptive factors are supply chain interaction (RII: 0.775), material cost increase (RII: 0.766) and logistic and haulage delay (RII: 0.717). The first two factors have long-term effects, and the logistics and haulage delays have a medium-term impact. The mitigating solutions suggested in the framework are collaborative working, stronger resilience to external forces and better transparency and communication that will lead to good relationships among the supply chain members.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the study was limited to the UK construction industry; however, the pandemic effect on supply chain can serve as critical learning curve in other developed and developing countries.Practical implicationsThe study will help the government and construction firms to understand the focal areas of importance in solving the supply chain disruption problems based on the effects of Brexit and Covid-19. The research would be useful in ensuring the proactive involvement of the government and contracting firms in their preparedness for similar events in the future. The results could be interpreted for critical learning in other developed/developing countries.Originality/valueIdentifying and ranking the supply chain disruptive factors affecting the small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK construction industry has been the focal point of this study. The study also proposes a simple but effective framework comprising the highly ranked factors, their longevity effects and mitigating measures. This will help the SMEs manage future/similar external events affecting the supply chain.