Lessons from Major Disruptions: Preparing Disadvantaged Construction Project Managers for Future Crises

11 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

Benjamin Morgan, Kamalesh Panthi and Lewis Waller

Abstract

The construction industry has experienced significant disruptions over the past 50 years, each of which has had a substantial impact on project costs, labor availability, material supply, and overall industry stability. These disruptions have shaped the industry's resilience and adaptation strategies. Navigating through financial crises, geopolitical events, and tariff policies presents significant challenges for disadvantaged project managers, who must continually adapt to an ever-changing landscape. The most notable disruption in recent years was the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on business operations across various industries. The pandemic's impact on construction projects highlighted numerous challenges, prompting an examination of lessons learned to better prepare for future crises. While the pandemic affected construction professionals broadly, disadvantaged construction project managers faced additional unique challenges exacerbated by existing inequalities. This study employs a phenomenological approach, utilizing interviews and surveys with disadvantaged construction project managers to gather firsthand insights into their experiences during the pandemic. The research highlights key adaptive strategies that helped disadvantaged project managers maintain project continuity and resilience. Fostering digital literacy, implementing robust DEI initiatives, and promoting adaptive leadership are essential strategies to bolster resilience and ensure more equitable outcomes in future crises within the construction industry.

Keyphrases: adaptive strategies, construction, covid 19, disadvantaged, project manager

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 694-704.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/1tkt
	https://doi.org/10.29007/6x7v

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Lessons_from_Major_Disruptions,
  author    = {Benjamin Morgan and Kamalesh Panthi and Lewis Waller},
  title     = {Lessons from Major Disruptions: Preparing Disadvantaged Construction Project Managers for Future Crises},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/1tkt},
  doi       = {10.29007/6x7v},
  pages     = {694-704},
  year      = {2025}}

Download PDF Open PDF in browser