Browsing by Author "Puri A"

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    Contracting challenges in post-disaster reconstruction in developing countries: Evidence from Nepal reconstruction
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2025-04-15) Puri A; Ameer Ali N; Elkharboutly M
    This study aims to identify the challenges of procuring and contracting post-disaster reconstruction projects in developing countries using conventional construction contracts, with Nepal as a case study. After the 7.6 Mw Gorkha Earthquake in 2015, Nepal embarked on extensive reconstruction efforts supported by various foreign governments and agencies. While these efforts were generally hailed as successful, large-scale non-residential reconstruction projects encountered significant challenges. This issue is common globally due to the lack of attention from researchers on large-scale non-residential reconstruction, leading to overlooked issues and the continuous failure of these projects to meet their objectives. One key issue in such projects is using conventional construction contracts not designed for post-disaster scenarios. This study used a qualitative research design that included semi-structured interviews to collect data and thematic analysis to gain insights from individuals involved in Nepal's reconstruction. Fifteen interviews with experts involved in managing construction contracts during the reconstruction were conducted and analysed using Nvivo 14 software. Upon analysis, two main themes emerged: procurement and bureaucratic, and contract-related, each further divided into sub-categories. These themes highlight how Procurement Act and conventional contracts used in reconstruction in Nepal failed to address post-disaster needs. The findings emphasise the necessity for pre-disaster evaluations and updates to procurement laws and contracts to establish more suitable approaches for reconstruction. Aligning contracts with the specific requirements of post-disaster contexts can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of reconstruction efforts. Future research should focus on developing disaster-focused contracts to enhance global reconstruction practices.
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    Identifying major challenges in managing post-disaster reconstruction projects: A critical analysis
    (Elsevier B.V., 2024-04-23) Puri A; Elkharboutly M; Ali NA
    This paper seeks to identify and categorise challenges encountered in managing post-disaster reconstruction projects. Literature relevant to the topic was identified using keywords from two databases—Scopus and Web of Science, and then filtered using title screening and abstract screening. Subsequently, an analysis of 66 relevant papers between 2000 and 2023 revealed a total of 223 challenges relating to post-disaster reconstruction. These were then categorised into nine groups—quality and workmanship; contractual, legislation and policy; management and collaboration; resources; community engagement and culture; financial; physical/territorial; natural causes; and other challenges. Among these nine categories, resource challenges; management and collaboration challenges; and contractual, legislation, and policy challenges emerged as notably prevalent issues. While acknowledging the unique contextual nuances of post-disaster scenarios, it is important to emphasise that the challenges identified here are general in nature, serving as a foundational resource for government and various implementing agencies to devise context-specific mitigation measures. Additionally, the research findings offer insights and directions for future research aimed at enhancing post-disaster reconstruction management, particularly in addressing gaps in reconstruction legislation, policies, and processes, as well as the lesser-explored domain of non-residential reconstruction projects. Given the increasing incidence of post-disaster projects failing to achieve their objectives, understanding and effectively addressing these possible challenges is paramount. Hence, this paper provides a comprehensive foundation for developing tailored mitigation strategies and refining management practices in post-disaster reconstruction endeavors.