Construction Industry In Ghana Research Articles

Leveraging procurement capabilities and planning for project success in the construction industry in Ghana

PurposeThe paper examines the influence of procurement capabilities (skills) and procurement planning on project success in Ghana. The paper further examines the mediating role of procurement planning.Design/methodology/approachDrawing insights from human capital theory, a model of four hypotheses was developed and validated. The proposed model was validated using survey data from 200 procurement and construction professionals at construction firms in Ghana. The data gathered was analysed using structural equation modelling. Confirmatory factor analysis using Amos software was conducted to establish reliability and validity of the constructs. Hayes process was employed to test the structural model.FindingsOur study revealed that procurement capabilities and procurement planning directly improve project success in the construction sector in Ghana. We found procurement planning acts as a pathway for achieving greater success in construction projects.Originality/valueThis study is among the very few attempts to demonstrate how project success could be enhanced through developing procurement capabilities for effective procurement planning. Theoretically, this study is among the first attempts to theorise the effect of procurement capabilities and planning on project success from the human capital perspective. Our findings also offer practical insight to practitioners in the construction setting by emphasising the need to pay crucial attention to capabilities and planning in the quest to enhance project success in the construction setting. The findings indicate that building capabilities alone is not enough; rather, the ability to deploy such capabilities for effective procurement planning is necessary for driving project success.

Boosting Construction Workers’ Performances Through Motivation: A Study in Ghana

Motivation is essential for boosting worker’s performance to achieve high productivity within an organisation. This study investigates the impact of various motivational strategies on construction worker performance in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. We aim to identify the key factors that enhance employee engagement and productivity, informing effective management practices within the construction industry. A quantitative survey was conducted among construction professionals, including architects, quantity surveyors, civil engineers, builders, and artisans. Participants were selected from various company sizes (small, medium, and large) and experience levels (five to thirty- five years) to capture diverse perspectives and ensure some level of representativeness within the targeted population. Descriptive statistics and Relative Importance Index (RII) were employed to analyse data on employee perceptions of motivation and its impact on performance. Open-ended responses provided additional insights and context. The study reveals a strong link between motivation and construction worker performance. Factors like fair compensation, clear career development prospects, and a positive work environment were key motivators. Monetary rewards alone were deemed less impactful, highlighting the importance of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. The study is limited to the generalisable construction industry in Ghana; regional variations and cultural factors may require further investigation. The self-reported nature of the data poses potential bias, and future research could explore targeted interventions and leadership styles to refine motivational strategies. This study contributes to understanding motivation within the construction industry, offering valuable insights for practitioners to optimise workforce performance and boost productivity. The emphasis on quantitative and qualitative data analysis strengthens the findings and provides a more nuanced perspective on employee experiences.

Unveiling the Driving Factors of Emerging Trends in the Ghanaian Construction Industry: An Evaluative Analysis of Push and Pull Factors

There is a significant change in the Ghanaian construction sector, driven by the convergence of emerging trends. The study investigated the underlying factors influencing these emerging trends in the Ghanaian construction industry, focusing on both pull and push factors. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining survey data with qualitative analysis, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the drivers shaping the industry's development. The study was conducted within three cities (Cape Coast, Kasoa, and Winneba) in the Central Region of Ghana. Fifteen (15) construction companies were purposively selected based on their interest in technological advancements within the construction ecosystem. Five (5) categories of construction professionals, project managers, quantity surveyors, architects, structural engineers, safety officers, and site supervisors employed by the aforementioned fifteen (15) construction companies were considered for the study. Data collected were analyzed utilizing SPSS software version 20. Push factors highlighted environmental degradation, technological innovation, and infrastructure renewal as significant motivators. Pull factors emphasized the industry's extrinsic motivations, including community development, cultural considerations, and economic growth. The analysis revealed that both push and pull factors play crucial roles in driving the trends within the industry. Qualitative interviews conducted as part of the study provided deeper insights, identifying six key themes: regulatory compliance and market competition, technological advancements, skill development, economic considerations, leadership and strategic vision, and customer demand. These themes underscore the complex relationship between external pressures and internal motivations. Correlation and regression analyses indicated significant relationships between trend recognition and both push and pull factors, emphasizing the interplay between external pressures and aspirational drivers in shaping industry trends. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic forces driving change in the Ghanaian construction sector, offering substantial insights for stakeholders. These insights can help stakeholders navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable growth and development. The findings underscore the importance of balancing technological advancements with socio-economic goals to foster a robust and forward-thinking construction industry in Ghana.

Critical Factors Contributing to Under-Reporting of Occupational Accidents in The Construction Industry in Ghana

Purpose: Governments around the world have a shared responsibility for the management of occupational health and safety (OHS). The study aims to explore the under-reporting of OHS accidents by employees and employers in the construction industry in Ghana. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: The study used a cross-sectional survey design and quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Data was gathered via a questionnaire. The survey involved 250 site managers and operatives from Upper West and Upper East Regions. Significant factors that contribute to the under-reporting of construction-related accidents were identified and prioritized using descriptive statistics. The Linear Structural Relationships (LISREL) factor analysis was used to confirm the important factors. Findings: It was deduced from the findings that job security, workers’ attitudes, education and training, blame culture, interpersonal relationships, poor safety culture, lack of management commitment, poor communication, and company’s goal contribute significantly to the under-reporting of OHS accidents within construction firms in Ghana. In the study, factors contributing to the under-reporting of construction site accidents to statutory authorities included education and training, the environment, politics/government, legal/regulations, and socio-cultural practices. Practical Implications: The findings will enable construction companies to make investments to develop accident reporting systems that are easier to use and more accessible. This may include developing mobile reporting apps, and training employees how to use the reporting apps and tools efficiently. Social Implications: Employee safety and well-being is one of the main societal ramifications. Policymakers can use the findings to develop more robust policies aimed at improving accident reporting and prevention measures in the construction industry. Originality and Value: This research offers valuable insights into the factors influencing the underreporting of occupational health and safety (OHS) accidents on construction sites.

Exploring the multidimensional challenges in integrating Design for Safety (DfS) in the Ghanaian construction industry

Purpose The uptake of Design for Safety (DfS) practices in developing countries like Ghana has been limited. This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the barriers across regulatory, organizational, cultural and educational dimensions that restrict DfS assimilation in the Ghanaian construction sector. Identifying the key impediments can inform policy initiatives and industry efforts to facilitate safer construction. Design/methodology/approach A postpositive philosophy underpinned the quantitative research. Multi-stage research was used. A comprehensive questionnaire survey was designed and given to six industry experts to assess clarity, relevance and effectiveness after a thorough literature review. In all, 164 professionals were reached to take part in the study using purposive sampling and consequently snowballing. “Variables” were ranked using mean score ranking and normalization techniques; exploratory factor analysis was then used to group variables into clusters. Findings Emergent findings revealed four distinct clusters of challenges; Design Process and Communication Challenges; Regulatory and Expertise Limitations; Planning and Education Constraints; and Attitudinal and Perception Barriers. These findings help identify targeted solutions to overcome barriers including developing robust regulatory frameworks, promoting collaboration among stakeholders and cultivating a positive safety culture. Originality/value This study provides new insights into the integration of DfS in the context of the developing construction industry in Ghana. This study expands the knowledge base to drive further research in enhancing construction safety in developing countries. Practical recommendations for overcoming these challenges are proposed.

E-procurement acceptance in the Ghanaian public sector: an application of an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) in the construction industry

Purpose E-procurement has the advantage of improving the overall performance of construction project delivery. The purose of this study is to uncover the factors influencing e-procurement acceptance in the public sector of Ghana’s construction industry (GCI). Using an extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT 2), variables that promote the acceptance of e-procurement in GCI were explored. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected using a mixed method strategy. In the first stage, a semi-structured interview was used to collect, assess and optimize the UTAUT2 model. Thematic analysis was used on the qualitative data, leading to modification of the proposed UTAUT2 model. The study subsequently used a questionnaire survey using the extended UTAUT2 model. Survey data was analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM), leading to the identification and validation of factors that facilitate e-procurement acceptance in Ghanaian construction as well as the impact of these factors. Findings The findings of the study reveal that five independent constructs of the proposed UTAUT2 model significantly affects the behavioural intention of practitioners to accept and use e-procurement in the construction industry in Ghana. Practical implications The study will be of utility to government agencies, contracting organizations and other construction stakeholders in developing policy and programmes to support e-procurement acceptance within the sector. Originality/value This is a new extended UTAUT2 model that is applicable to technology acceptance within the public sector in sub-Saharan Africa.

Technology Transfer Potential in Local and Foreign‐Owned Firms in Emerging Economies

AbstractTechnology transfer in international collaborations is challenging but can bring benefits to both local and foreign‐owned firms in emerging economies. In this paper we focus on conditions for potential technology transfer in emerging economies. We develop a configurational theoretical framework and empirically operationalize it using qualitative comparative analysis. Building on differences in absorptive capacity between these two kinds of firms and relying on data from the construction industry in Ghana, we develop a process model of technology transfer in emerging economies. Our model shows that technology transfer in local and foreign firms can be achieved through different combinations of human resource development and knowledge management, as well as international collaborations and networks. The model also explicates mechanisms leading to potential technology transfer. Based on the findings and the process model, the study makes several contributions to the absorptive capacity and technology transfer literature in emerging economies by shedding light on the underlying processes that foster a firm's ability to absorb technology in international collaborations.

Establishing the Economic Sustainability Criteria for Assessing Tenders in the Procurement of Building Works

As the global construction industry expands, it is imperative to prioritize economic sustainability due to the consequential effect on procurement practices. The procurement of building works, a pivotal phase in the realization of construction projects, requires a comprehensive framework to assess tenders that emphasise economic viability and align with sustainability principles. While traditional procurement processes primarily focus on cost considerations, the contemporary construction landscape necessitates a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices encompassing the economic dimension. Several studies have been conducted on public procurement and sustainability. Nevertheless, most of these studies focused on the environmental side of sustainability, leaving the social and economic dimensions unexplored. Hence, this study explores the sustainable economic criteria for assessing tenders in procuring building works. The study adopted the mixed research method; therefore, qualitative and quantitative data were employed in collecting the data for the study. The analysis deduced that the criteria for assessing the economic sustainability of tenders were categorized into management-related, technical, and commercial-related criteria, with the most significant variables being competitiveness, resource management skills, resource requirement assessment and profitability. The study’s findings can potentially influence the assessment tenders of construction firms for building works. Thus, it suggested that the management practices of the bidders must be thoroughly evaluated as it is a crucial factor in ensuring economic sustainability from the onset of the project processes. This study presents a novel to ascertain the criteria for assessing the sustainable economy of tenders in procuring building works in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. The results of this study can be a source of data to guide the evaluation of tenders in the construction industry in Ghana and other developing countries within the Sub-Saharan Region.

Prioritizing the principles of circular economy among built environment professionals

PurposeCircular economy (CE) is guided by principles, the key being the R-framework. All R-frameworks have a hierarchy. Although several studies have prioritized these principles, there is still an urgent call for country-specific prioritization. This study prioritized circular economy (CE) principles among Ghana's built environment (BE) professionals.Design/methodology/approachAn explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was adopted. Six principles of CE were identified through a review of related literature and incorporated into a questionnaire. In total, 162 questionnaire responses were received. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential analyses. The data were further validated via semi-structured interviews with eight interviewees of different professional backgrounds in the BE.FindingsThe findings revealed that BE professionals in Ghana highly perceived CE principles as important. The findings further revealed the order of prioritization of the CE principles as follows: (1) recycle, (2) reuse, (3) repair/remanufacture, (4) renewable energy usage, (5) redesign and (6) reduce. To further elaborate on these prioritized principles via the qualitative phase, the interviewees agreed to and confirmed the importance of the identified principles through their verbatim comments.Originality/valueAlthough there is a growing interest in research regarding CE in the Ghanaian construction industry, its principles have yet to be prioritized and ranked by professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry. This study unearths why, in terms of prioritization of the CE principles, the construction industry in Ghana does not follow the well-known hierarchy (i.e. reduce, reuse and recycle) in the order of high to low level of circularity.

Promoting Climate Resilience in Building Construction Industry in Ghana

This study reports the perspectives of building construction stakeholders on how they are promoting climate resilience. Using descriptive research design with a purposive sampling through online questionnaire and adapted version of Relative Importance Index (RII) on selected environmental benchmarks, the major findings are: a) there is more to be done to promote green construction; b) many stakeholders still hold on to carbon-intensive approach; c) underlying cause for this lack of migration to less carbon use appears to be attitudinal than complete lack of knowledge of climate mitigation; d) many construction firms lack internal management system to monitor climate mitigation benchmarks indices. Based on these findings, recommendation being made is that construction managers may need to link up with international conferences to enhance professional competencies in advanced technologies for mitigating building-related carbon emission, while Government offers subsidies and green construction certification to promote contractors’ awareness of climate resilience in building construction.

An Assessment of the Extent of Application of Geosynthetics to Civil Infrastructure Projects in Ghana

This study was informed by the lack of literature that gave a country-specific holistic account of the extent of the application of geosynthetics to civil infrastructure projects. Thus, this current study determined the extent that geosynthetics had been applied to civil infrastructure projects in Ghana and, established the relative level of application of geosynthetics to civil infrastructure projects in Ghana. Structured questionnaire aided in data collection. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and one sample t-test. The study revealed that there was a low level of application of geosynthetics to civil infrastructure projects in Ghana. However, Ghana’s case was of great concern as geosynthetics had been applied to only 7 out of the 28 civil infrastructure projects identified in previous studies. Pipe projects had the most application of geosynthetics whereas geosynthetics were least applied to retaining structures. Moreso, the study further revealed that only 6 out of the 9 types of geosynthetics had been applied to civil infrastructure projects in Ghana namely: geopipes, geomembranes, geotextiles, geogrids, geonets, and geocells. Relatively, geopipes were the most applied geosynthetics whereas geocells were the least applied geosynthetics to civil infrastructure projects in Ghana. This study serves as reference material on the extent of application of geosynthetics to civil infrastructure projects in Ghana which hitherto was lacking in the construction industry in Ghana. It also serves as the basis for future studies on the application of geosynthetics as it contributes to the existing body of literature on the subject.

Comparative Study of the Chemical Analysis of Different Brands of Cements used in Ghana

In Ghana, however, ordinary Portland-limestone cement in recent times continues to remain the alternative construction material compared to other brands. With the rising trend of infrastructural development in the country undertaken by individuals and real estate companies, there have been categories of different brands of cement alongside the existing brands being produced in Ghana. The usage of lowquality cement resulting in poor bonding of construction materials has led to the investigation of some selected brands. In this study six different brands of Portland - limestone cement generally used in the construction industry in Ghana, namely; CIMAF cement, Dangote cement, Diamond cement, Ghacem cement, Sol cement and Supacem cement were investigated. The chemical compositions were analyzed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer equipment because of its accuracy and simplicity it has over other technologies. The amount of chemical constituents like A2O3, SiO2, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O and K2O were determined in accordance with ASTM C114-18. The results indicated that the properties of the six brands of cement are comparable and are all of good quality.

Defining social value in the public procurement process for works

PurposeThough the Public Procurement Act of Ghana makes room for specific socio-economic policies (environmental, social, economic and other policies which are intended to promote social and economic impact), there is no explicit definition and provision for social value as an evaluation criterion, culminating in the absence of a definition in the Act. This paper elicits the conception and understanding of social value from stakeholders in the Ghanaian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative method that relied on a semi-structured interview of 30 participants purposively drawn from Western, Western North and Central regions of Ghana. An inductive thematic analysis approach, which involved identifying repetitions, exploring similarities and differences, noting linguistic connectors, and a framework were employed to analyse the data.FindingsThe study established no single definition or explanation for social value in the construction industry in Ghana. However, it was revealed from the study that the concept of social value could be defined from the functional perspective of the definer, particularly from the perspective of a Procurement Officer, Works Engineer, and a Quantity Surveyor. A new insight from the study that differs from the body of literature is that participants equated benefits derived from physically constructed projects as social value.Social implicationsThe study has implication for public administration and practice regarding the decision-making process in the construction industry in Ghana. It provides a vital awakening on social value as a criterion in evaluating construction works procurement in Ghana. The ability of participants to equate the benefits derived from executed construction projects as social value creates a new perspective on understanding the meaning of social value in the procurement of works construction.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the state-of-the-art and ongoing discourse on the concept of social value globally. The findings create an important catalyst for social value research in the Ghanaian construction industry.

The impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry in Ghana: the case of some selected firms

PurposeWith its impact already felt, the construction industry worldwide is gradually reviving following the lifting up of lockdowns amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Though some articles have been written regarding its impact on the construction industry in other countries, much is yet to be known concerning the current impact in Ghana. This study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on Ghana’s construction industry and assess how construction companies are contributing to the fight against COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews with nine key professionals working with D1K1 firms currently working on projects of almost similar sizes within the confines of a reputable tertiary institution in Ghana were conducted over a span of three weeks. Thematic analysis was conducted with Nvivo 12 Pro Application software.FindingsFrom the findings, the major impact includes: a decrease in work rate, delays in payments and an increase in the cost of materials arising from border closure. On the measures by construction companies in contributing to the fight against the pandemic, findings indicated: educating the workforce on the virus, the provision of PPEs, regular and effective checks on entry and exit from the site.Practical implicationsThe study is significant, as knowledge of the impact posed by the pandemic will provide some idea of the measures to put in place to ensure the gradual to full recovery of the industry.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in the fact that it is a pioneering study on the impact of COVID-19 on the Ghanaian construction industry.

Challenges for Occupational Health and Safety Enforcement in the Construction Industry in Ghana

Many previous studies have reported that the occupational health and safety (OHS) enforcement is poor in developing countries, however these studies have mainly focused on the broader enforcement problems and not fully considered the challenges confronting the institutions responsible for enforcing OHS standards at workplaces. In this study, twelve potential challenges were identified from an extensive literature review, then an empirical investigation was carried out via a questionnaire survey from OHS inspectors and professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry. The twelve challenges were confirmed and ranked. Also, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation were used to determine the statistical significance of the responses and the relationships between the challenges. Based on these findings, this study provides practical strategies for government, OHS inspectors and other professionals within the construction industry to improve the OHS enforcement. The research findings can also be adopted as a basis to assess challenges confronting OHS institutions in other developing countries.

Towards Improving Performance of the Construction Industry in Ghana: A SWOT Approach

The construction industry is the second largest contributor to GDP and a significant driver of economic activities in Ghana. Given the importance of the construction industry in boosting the national economy, it is essential to develop effective strategies to keep improving the performance of the industry. To achieve this aim, this research conducted the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of the Ghanaian construction industry. Underpinned by the SWOT analysis, strategic recommendations are provided to minimise the weaknesses and neutralise the threats that confront the industry, while taking advantage of the strengths and exploiting the opportunities presented to it. These include investment to facilitate innovation and growth, human resource development, development and enforcement of policy and standards, and conducive procurement practice. The recommendations are expected to provide practical and theoretical directions to the industry’s stakeholders on effective ways to improve the industry’s performance.

Service quality of insurance in complex project deals in the construction industry in Ghana

PurposeThe insurance sector provides insurance protection for complex project deals in Ghana. The study assesses the service quality of insurance of complex project deals in the construction industry of developing countries, specifically Ghana. The objectives are to identify the insurance typologies in complex project deals in the construction industry, to assess the level of construction insurance quality, and to assess the challenges faced in complex project insurance.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the previously related works on insurance in the construction industry. The study then adopted quantitative research strategy where a structured questionnaire survey was used to collect information from construction industry professionals. The data analysis was organized in accordance with the specific objectives of the study with the aid of mean score analysis and independent sample t-test. The study again measured the reliability of the adopted scale using Cronbach's alpha, which indicated that all the items reliably measured what they were intended to measure, and thereby, statistical tools can be applied to give in-depth meanings.FindingsThe insurance typologies for complex projects were discovered by the study, as well as the available service qualities of insurance. The study again made it clear that the major challenges capable of affecting complex construction project are low quality of insurance companies' services and the gap in statutory and legal systems.Research limitation/implicationsThe major constraint in this study was the issue of taking only Ghana as a developing country to generalize the result. This is then to provide lessons for other developing countries.Practical implicationThe findings from this study will be useful to construction firms, insurance firms, and regulatory bodies by identifying the effectiveness of insurance as a risk mitigation measure in construction. The study will help the insurance firms to better position themselves to meet the demands of the construction industry. As the findings of this study are Ghana-specific, it is also to provide lessons for other developing countries.Originality/valueThis study delves deep into the complex construction project insurance service quality in developing countries, specifically Ghana.

Motivational Strategies to Improve Artisan’s Productivity in the Construction Industry in Ghana

Motivation is a strategy adopted by organisational managers to improve organisational performance. Most researchers have found different factors that affect the motivation on a different level. The aim of the survey was to examine the motivational strategies for improving productivity among artisans in the construction companies in the Eastern Region and the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design utilising the quantitative approach. A purposive random sampling technique was employed to choose 90 workers to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire was utilised to gather information from respondents. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) were used to analyse the data collected. Results from the survey showed that artisans see motivation as very significant in their workplace. The study found that empowerment, quality of life, and monetary incentive have significant relation with motivation and effective use of such strategies could assist construction industry practitioners to enhance craftsmen performance. The study contributes to a few pieces of literature existing in construction motivational strategies. The findings point to the fact that industrial players should pay more attention to the motivational strategies to assist artisans’ function effectively in their work environment.

The impact on development of technology and knowledge transfer in Chinese MNEs in sub-Saharan Africa: The Ghanaian case

The presence of Chinese multinational enterprises in Africa brings with it new technology and knowledge. Yet there is a lack of research on the impact of this on development in African countries. China's recent industrial development may be more appropriate for Africa's development than Western models, and the adoption of technological knowledge from Chinese firms may provide a more sustainable path to Africa's future development because of cultural, institutional, social and historical synergies. However, there may be major barriers to transferring appropriate technology and knowledge. Findings from our study in the construction industry in Ghana suggest an absence of specific technology and knowledge transfer policies and strategies, with human resource development practices, language and some cultural issues also creating barriers. Bidding practices of Chinese firms investigated also appear to militate against successful technology and knowledge transfers to local partners and staff. Yet there appears unrealised potential that has not been addressed by firms. We suggest measures that may be taken to realise this potential and point to implications for policy and future research on the development potential of China in Africa.

Economic Shocks and the Growth of the Construction Industry in Ghana Over the 50-Year Period From 1968 to 2017

The study analyses the relationship between the growth of the construction industry and economic shocks in Ghana over the 50-year period from 1968 to 2017 using an autoregressive modelling scheme that incorporates several economic shocks as separate independent variables. The independent variables used in the model included one positive economic shock and five negative shock variables. The positive shock variable was the sharply increased government expenditures on construction activities in selected years that allowed the government to host international events in Ghana within a period of two years. The five adverse economic shocks included in the model were political instability related to military coups, exchange rate depreciation of the local currency, Ghana cedi, with respect to the United States dollar, the average yearly temperature, aggregate electricity energy production shortfall related to a severe El Nino weather phenomenon, and incidence of extreme rainfall. The results of the analysis indicated that the most important factor influencing the growth of the construction industry in Ghana over the 50-year study period was political instability. Beyond political instability, the next most important factor was the purposely-driven sharp increases in government expenditures on construction activities for selected years that allowed the country to host international events in the country. The other significant economic shocks were the exchange rate depreciation, average temperatures, and electricity energy production shortfall; all three factors adversely affected the growth of the construction industry. The results of our study are generally consistent with those obtained from the literature concerning the positive and negative effects of economic shocks on the construction industry.