Describing Construction

Describing Construction

Author: Rick Best

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2022-09-16

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 1000648117

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This third book from editors Rick Best and Jim Meikle brings together and presents insights into a number of key concepts in the study of construction firms, projects and the group of activities that loosely define the construction industry. The value for readers comes from the collection of a variety of topics in a single volume, which provide a basic understanding of the complexities of construction as more than a set of practical concerns such as labour management and materials handling. Instead, the focus is on analysis of the industry and its component parts from the viewpoints of construction economists and others seeking to understand the drivers and challenges that shape an area of economic activity that is a major contributor in all economies. The aim of this book is to provide an overview and discussion of several aspects of what makes construction tick. It is unlike other industry sectors in many ways, being project-based with often intense competition for work. Where the first book, Measuring Construction, focused on particular areas associated with quantifying various aspects of construction activity and the second, Accounting for Construction, looked more at how we record and report on construction activity, Describing Construction gives readers the views of experts in the field of how the construction industry is described, what its make-up is, it even asks the question: is construction a single industry? This book will change the way most readers understand the ‘construction industry’, whatever that may be, not from the point of view of visible on-site activities, but through a scientific approach to analysis and understanding of how projects, firms and various sectors of the industry work and how things are changing and may continue to change in future. It is essential reading for students and researchers in construction management, quantity surveying, architecture and engineering.


Environmental Design of Urban Buildings

Environmental Design of Urban Buildings

Author: Mat Santamouris

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-06-17

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 1136566937

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This book provides a review of environmental and energy research with respect to urban building projects. It describes how to overcome related challenges in environmental design of urban buildings. The book discusses the passive and active environmental systems within building concepts.


Essentials of Quranic Arabic: Volume 1

Essentials of Quranic Arabic: Volume 1

Author: Masood Ranginwala

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2011-04-26

Total Pages: 214

ISBN-13: 125764498X

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This first volume guides the student in a step-wise progression to learn the fundamentals of Quranic grammar. The methodology of this book is different from others in that conversational Arabic and non-Quranic vocabulary are not emphasized. Instead, there is a keen focus on mastering key grammar principles alongside "high-yield" Quranic vocabulary.


Routledge Handbook on Labour in Construction and Human Settlements

Routledge Handbook on Labour in Construction and Human Settlements

Author: Edmundo Werna

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-12-12

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 1003809316

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Routledge Handbook on Labour in Construction and Human Settlements presents a detailed and comprehensive examination of the relationship between labour and the built environment, and synergises these critical focus areas in innovative ways. This unrivalled edited collection of chapters analyses problems and presents possible solutions related to the employment and conditions of workers in the construction industry. It provides comprehensive coverage of the relationship between the global workforce and the built environment and is divided into four topical areas: how labour and the built environment relate to development; employment generation in the built environment; quality of employment in the built environment; and the impact of the built environment on labour in other sectors. Underpinning the entire book is the premise that the way the built environment is produced, and its main products – buildings, cities and towns – have an impact on large numbers of workers. At the same time, the quality of the built environment requires construction workers who are well trained and with good working conditions. While cities and towns are the engines of economic growth, they will not be able to fulfil their economic potential if poverty in the workforce is not addressed. Those who are unemployed, underemployed or work in unfavourable conditions cannot fully contribute to production, and at the same time are limited in their ability to purchase goods and services – therefore limiting economic growth and restricting improvements in their living standards. In addition, investments in infrastructure, housing and inner-city redevelopment cannot be sustainable if labour issues – i.e., poverty – are not addressed. This book aims at analysing this complex set of issues comprehensively and will be essential reading to a wide range of researchers across the interdisciplinary intersections of construction, business and management, economic development, urban studies, sociology, political science and project management.