PurposeCOVID-19 came as a surprise to the global economy and devastated many sectors worldwide, including the construction sector. Small construction firms are believed to be an engine of growth in many developing countries, including Ghana; thus, their survival cannot be trivialized. This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 on the businesses of the small confirms in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research approach was adopted for this study. Open-ended interview questions were distributed via email to 45 small construction firms (D3K3 and D4K4) purposefully selected. Thematic contents analysis was used to analyze 30 interview questions received.FindingsThis study has revealed that the COVID-19 has severely affected small construction firms in Ghana. Small construction firms are struggling in their finances; their cash flow/payments for work done are severely affected; they cannot secure contracts and management site efficiently. Their worker's productivity level has dwindled, which has subsequently escalated their project cost and completion time. These effects identified are significantly affecting the survival of these small construction firms.Research limitations/implicationsThe study included small construction operating in the Central, Western and Greater Accra regions of Ghana during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the findings may be applicable to construction sites outside these regions.Practical implicationsThe implication is the COVID-19 pandemic hugely impacts the small construction firm's business operations. Therefore, they must be mindful of the new norm (COVID-19) and institute strategies to help them overcome the challenges and sustain their businesses.Originality/valueThe study gives insight into the effects of the COVID-19 on the businesses of small construction firms in Ghana and proposes strategies that they must implement to overcome their challenges and sustain their businesses.
Purpose The new normal introduced by COVID-19 has ushered in new safety regulations that are required to be implemented by all organisations, including the construction industry. The implementation of the COVID-19 regulations, like any health and safety regulation, is not without hindrances. Consequently, this study aims to explore factors hindering the implementation of COVID-19 safety regulations at construction sites in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a qualitative research method using an open-ended questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The set of questionnaires were distributed by means of purposive and snowball sampling methods. The collected data were analysed by means of the thematic analysis technique. Findings It became evident that several factors militate against implementing COVID-19 safety regulations at construction sites. Cost of implementing COVID-19 safety measures, lack of compliance and ignorance were identified as the most hindering factors, whereas superstition, lack of personal protective equipment supply and theft of COVID-19 materials were reported by fewer respondents. Research limitations/implications The set of questionnaires were limited to small construction firms who were operating on site within the Central, Western and Greater Accra regions of Ghana during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the findings may be applicable to firms outside these regions because most of the small construction firms in the country share similar characteristics. Practical implications The recommendations proffered could help construction organisations devise strategies to overcome the barriers that hamper the implementation of COVID-19 safety regulations on site. Moreover, the findings could inform policymakers on what is required to enforce compliance on site. Originality/value COVID 19 is still new, and as a result, the body of knowledge is at the infancy stage. This article contributes to advancing the body of knowledge in the area of COVID-19 implementation challenges on construction sites.
This paper develops techniques to improve labour productivity in the construction industry and determine the level of labour productivity in the Ghanaian construction industry. The goal of this study was to develop a framework for determining the optimal productivity of construction workers for labour-intensive projects. There were three main objectives of this study: to identify factors that influence construction labour productivity in Ghana, to determine techniques used to improve construction labour productivity, and to develop a comprehensive framework for improving construction labour productivity in Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative research design that used a questionnaire. Since the country has been divided into zones, a stratified sampling technique was used based on the diverse nature of the population. Meanwhile, since the district offices were not all handling road construction projects, a purposive sampling technique was used to select 40 districts that were involved in road construction projects. A total of 560 respondents were sampled for the study. The data obtained from the study were analysed and are presented in tables and diagrams. The following factors played a significant role: the age of beneficiaries, the knowledge of beneficiaries, compliance with safety regulations, and the motivation of beneficiaries. Growing a project’s beneficiary base has been observed by many sites to be associated with a decrease in overall labour productivity (due to the overcrowding of workers). Recruiting new members should be conducted cautiously, as the government plans to use this medium to benefit the impoverished in the region. Construction workers can use this information to aid in firm decision-making. For planning purposes, this research can also be used as a useful tool for utilizing labour-intensive methods to increase productivity and meet contract deadlines by finishing a task as anticipated.
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