Factors effecting the management of supply chain practices due to COVID-19 : Case study on construction industry of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Aim:  This study focused on the management of supply chain operations related to the construction sector in Saudi Arabia. This study examined management of supply chain operations and the difficulties they faced because of COVID-19. We have discussed the challenges faced in managing supply chain operations to shed light and reach a better understanding of the subject of our study. Method:  This research was carried out using the qualitative approach, two companies were selected from the construction sector and four employees were interviewed in order to generate primary data.  As for secondary data, it was collected from previous literature relevant to the topic of our study. Finding:  Based on our finding, there are four factors which is affecting the management of supply chain practices of a construction industry in that region due to Covid-19. Given that fact, newly introduced taxation law is making the most damage in their supply chain process followed by the labor crisis, time management , trust and communication issues.  Contribution of the study: This study contributes to the practical and theoretical field of supply chain practices. In regard with the theoretical Contribution, our paper offered a framework based on the challenges faced by the management of supply chain due to covid-19 and this can help the construction industry to further develop their management strategy.        Future Research:  This research sheds light on the challenges that supply chain operations management faces in light of COVID-19 on the construction sector in Saudi Arabia. This research can be used to develop new strategies or formulate studies on other sectors in order to help supply chain operations management in managing their chains in an efficient manner. Key Words:     Labor law, Time Management, Middle East, Construction Sector, Project Delay, Expat, VAT, Tax, Pandemic.