Studying pandemic effects and mitigation measures on management of construction projects: Najaf City as a case study

Abstract The corona virus pandemic greatly affected Al-Najaf construction sector and its economy. This study ex-amines the impact of pandemic on the sector and assesses the mitigation measures used. A questionnaire was given to 66 construction industry experts, covering 38 variables related to contracts, finance, chain supply, risks, and safety. Results, analyzed using the relative importance index, ranked finance as the top priority, followed by safety, risk, and other factors. Operational aspects, supply chain, and contracts were of lesser concern. Key variables included safety concerns, contractor payment delays, risk management, communication, and health projects. Mitigation measures revealed the importance of management actions and health and safety initiatives. Financial and communication measures were significant, while environmental measures ranked lower. Vaccination and emergency loans were highly valued. Evaluation, communication strategy, and cash support were also important. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of risk management and safety in mitigating the impact of pandemic on the construction sector. Updating Iraqi legal documentation, particularly for crisis management, is crucial. Adopting a modern management approach is necessary to overcome pandemic-related challenges. The study provides recommendations for further investigation, offering valuable insights for decision-makers and future research in the field.