Sustainable Allocation Model of Construction Workforce for Work Resumption during COVID-19

Layin Wang, Dong Zhao and Yanqi Zhong
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Layin Wang: School of Management, Xi’an University of Architecture & Technology, Xi’an 710055, China
Dong Zhao: Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, School of Planning, Design and Construction, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
Yanqi Zhong: School of AnDe, Xi’an University of Architecture & Technology, Xi’an 710311, China

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-22

Abstract: COVID-19 has posed challenges for the construction industry, such as precise pandemic control, sustainable labor relations, and loss minimization. In response to these challenges, this study has developed a decision model that optimizes workforce allocation for projects to achieve sustainable workforce management, a tradeoff between pandemic prevention and work resumption. The priority of project resumption was evaluated using basic characteristics, the long- and short-term strategies, and the regional pandemic situation. The energy level of skilled workers was graded according to construction team size, skill level, and experience. Sustainable allocation principles and paths were explored to target four different types of work resumption plans. We used the cellular automaton (CA) technique to simulate the sustainable allocation model. We also analyzed the similarity function of energy levels and the time-cost function of allocation. The case study of the SGJ Construction demonstrates that this allocation model can accurately simulate work resumption and provide a sustainable allocation decisions and tools under pandemic. Also, it implies balanced interests and concerns between construction companies and the society for work resumption during COVID-19.

Keywords: skilled workers; work resumption; priority; energy similarity; cellular automaton (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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