Developing a conceptual framework for investigating the resilience of construction SMEs and their supply chains against extreme weather events

G. Wedawatta, B. Ingirige, D. Amaratunga

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

Abstract

Projections into future increasingly suggest that the intensity and frequency of Extreme Weather Events (EWEs) will increase in the future. This has demanded the business organisations as well to be prepared to face the increasing risk of EWEs, in order to ensure their business continuity. However, current evidence base suggests that businesses, especially SMEs, are not adequately prepared to face the threat of such events. Ability to adequately prepare them has been hindered by the lack of in depth studies addressing this issue. The paper presents a doctoral study designed to investigate the resilience of SMEs operating in the construction sector; which is said to be a highly vulnerable sector for the impacts of EWEs, and their supply chains to EWEs. A conceptual framework developed to investigate this issue is presented and explained. It is argued that the resilience of construction SMEs and their supply chains against EWEs can be improved by a combination of reducing their vulnerability, enhancing coping capacity and implementing coping mechanisms. Importance of undertaking a broader view to include the whole supply chain in making business decisions with regard to EWEs by SMEs is also highlighted.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCOBRA 2010
Subtitle of host publicationconstruction, building and real estate research conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
PublisherRICS
Number of pages14
ISBN (Print)978-1-84219-619-9
Publication statusPublished - 2010
EventConstruction, building and real estate research conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - Paris, France
Duration: 2 Sept 20103 Sept 2010

Conference

ConferenceConstruction, building and real estate research conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Abbreviated titleCOBRA 2010
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityParis
Period2/09/103/09/10

Keywords

  • business continuity
  • construction
  • resilience
  • SMEs
  • supply chain

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