Resourcing for a resilient post‐disaster reconstruction environment

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this study is to understand the resourcing issues that concern the provision of resources required for reconstruction projects after a disaster and to enable them to be integrated into a holistic planning process.Design/methodology/approach -Triangulation methodology was adopted in this study including both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative approach, namely statistic analysis with the aid of questionnaires and SPSS was employed to identify the key factors affecting resource availability in post-disaster reconstruction situations. The qualitative semistructured interviews and desk reviews of government and media documents were conducted to further interpret outcomes in the questionnaire session.Findings -Based on empirical research, the major finding of the paper is that in order to arrive at a resilient and sustainable built environment after a disaster, resourcing efforts should be made around four components: (1) resourcing facilitator: legislation and policy, (2) resourcing implementer: construction industry, (3) resourcing platform: construction market, and (4) resourcing access: transportation system. (2008) rebuilding experience, the study proposes a holistic view of where resourcing bottlenecks are likely to exist during post-disaster reconstruction and where efforts are needed to align resources more closely to reconstruction requirements. The future research challenge resides in, under the topic of the post-disaster resourcing, how to generalize the research results yielded from China's case and draw out similarities and differences among different disaster relief and recovery systems. Research limitations/implications -Based largely on China's Wenchuan earthquakePractical implications -The data collection was conducted on a basis of field investigation. The empirical perspectives and insights were captured of those who are involved in rebuilding after the Indian Ocean tsunami and in post-Wenchuan earthquake reconstruction in China. Thus, the findings of this paper have practical implications for post-disaster reconstruction. Specific approaches are suggested with identified components incorporated to facilitate resourcing operations. The research helps draw attention to these items and raise understanding of the key role of pre-event resource planning and preparedness to enhance built environment resilience.Originality/value -The original part of this paper is in raising the importance of resourcing for achieving a resilient post-disaster built environment, and in presenting a thorough overhaul of the resourcing components. The paper also (1) offers a vision of comprehensive planning and preparedness to facilitate resourcing operations in post-disaster reconstruction; (2) pinpoints possible constraints inherent in post-disaster resourcing environment; (3) provides a directionsetting framework to achieve the vision with built environment resilience considerations incorporated.

Stakeholders and Their Significance in Post Natural Disaster Reconstruction Projects: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…10; and societal life (Omidvar, Zafari, & Khakpour, 2011). This process is long term (Johnston, Becker, & Paton, 2012) and involves intense decision making (Guarnacci, 2012), huge resources (Johnston et al, 2012;Tun Lin et al, 2007;Yan, Suzanne, Erica, & Regan, 2010;Yan, Suzanne, Regan, & Erica, 2012) and engagement of stakeholders (Chang et al, 2011;Hayles, 2010;Ophiyandri, Amaratunga, Pathirage, & Keraminiyage, 2013;Vojinovic & van Teeffelen, 2007).…”

Construction contractors involvement in disaster management planning

“…One of these problems stems from resource shortages with supply markets in disorder following a disaster (Chang, Wilkinson, Potangaroa, & Seville, 2010, September;Yan, Wilkinson, Potangaroa, & Seville, 2011). Despite the types of resources required for a post disaster reconstruction project being the same as for any other construction project; materials, labour, equipment and expertise, following a disaster there is often a large demand for materials with little supply available as well as labour shortages to contend with (Chang, Wilkinson, Seville, & Regan, 2010).…”

Modeling the performance impacts caused by an earthquake to the construction industry: Case study on the 2010 Chile earthquake

“…Other effects have also been documented, such as the impacts on construction strategies (Li, Wang, Wang, Dong, & Wu, 2011), the enhancement of building codes, standards, materials and construction technologies (Chang, Wilkinson, Seville, & Potangaroa, 2010), and the importance of quality infrastructure in reducing the impacts of disaster risks (Palliyaguru & Amaratunga, 2008). Additionally, Ofori (2002) highlights the importance of giving to construction companies the capacity and capability of planning, designing and building constructed items to reduce their vulnerability to disasters, along with emphasizing the vital role of professionals in the rectification of physical damages of disasters.…”