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Project Management Decision Tool for UAE Residential Construction During Pandemic
Al-Hadari, Hamad Khalifa
Al-Hadari, Hamad Khalifa
Date
2024-12
Authors
Advisor
Type
Dissertation
Degree
Description
A Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation in Engineering Systems Management by Hamad Khalifa Al-Hadari entitled, “Project Management Decision Tool for UAE Residential Construction During Pandemic”, submitted in December 2024. Dissertation advisor is Dr. Vian Ahmed and dissertation co-advisor is Dr. Moncer Hariga. Soft copy is available (Dissertation, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).
Abstract
This research explores project management practices in the construction industry, with a particular focus on residential projects during pandemic crises, such as COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the development of residential construction projects both in the UAE and globally. Effective project management practices are essential for analyzing the impact of such pandemics, and implementing practical solutions will be critical for managing similar crises in the future. There are fifteen challenges associated with construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified through interviewing seven experts. These challenges were classified into four different categories and ranked using AHP method across each of the four phases of the construction project. The four categories were strategic planning and adaptation, resource and supply chain management, project execution and quality control and stakeholder relations challenges. The construction project phases considered were the initiating phase, planning phase, executing phase and closing phase. To identify the most effective project management practices during pandemics, the interaction between alternative project management practices and associated challenges was modeled using the Fuzzy TOPSIS method. Risk management practices proved to be among the most essential aspects during a pandemic, earning consistently high rankings across all four categories. Similarly, communication management practices were found to be essential in addressing the challenges of a pandemic, achieving equally high rankings across the same categories. The significance of these practices cannot be overstated when addressing crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Their effectiveness in mitigating risks, ensuring clear and timely communication, and maintaining operational stability underscores their essential role in times of pandemics. To effectively address the identified challenges, a dynamic and interactive dashboard was developed using Power BI software. This state-of-the-art tool was custom-built to assist project managers in applying the proposed project management practices, specifically tailored to overcome the unique difficulties faced during crisis scenarios such as pandemics. By leveraging the capabilities of Power BI, the dashboard provides stakeholders with a clear, data-driven visualization of key insights and actionable strategies. These insights empower decision-makers to evaluate and adopt the most suitable practices for managing construction projects during pandemic conditions, ensuring resilience and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.