Building International Construction Alliances is the first book to address the challenges of international cooperation between medium-sized construction firms. By presenting a case study of the historical evolution of Fratelli Dioguardi S.p.A. and Beacon Construction Company, and representative projects, Roberto Pietroforte offers the reader an understanding of * the way successful firms adjust their strategic, organizational and operational settings to the changes in their market environments * the importance and advantages of international cooperation among medium-sized construction firms * the necessary analytical background for developing long-term collaboration.
Building International Construction Alliances is the first book to address the challenges of international cooperation between medium-sized construction firms. By presenting a case study of the historical evolution of Fratelli Dioguardi S.p.A. and Beacon Construction Company, and representative projects, Roberto Pietroforte offers the reader an understanding of * the way successful firms adjust their strategic, organizational and operational settings to the changes in their market environments * the importance and advantages of international cooperation among medium-sized construction firms * the necessary analytical background for developing long-term collaboration.
Covers: overview of international alliances (benefits, challenges and risk assessment, characteristics of a well-structured alliance); a synopsis of the 30 interviews with senior level internat'l. construction executives that covers 70 hours of interview tapes and represent over 1,000 years of experience in international construction; analysis of interview and survey data; comparison of U.S. firms and their European and Asian competitors; and an implementation model. Appendices: definitions of terms, gov't. agencies that provide assistance, and bibliography.
R&D Investment and Impact in the Global Construction Industry brings together contributions from leading industry researchers in a diverse group of countries to investigate the role of research and development (R&D) in the construction industry. Investment in R&D is a proven factor in economic growth, and helps develop a more productive and innovative industry. This book explores how policy makers and industry leaders can better target future investment; and how industry and researchers can manage their efforts to improve productivity whilst addressing the environmental and social needs of their communities. Case studies present projects where R&D ideas funded by both the private and public sectors have been translated from research into practice or policy, and examine drivers, successes and barriers to the delivery of R&D in industry. Based on research from members of the CIB Task Group 85 (R&D Investment and Impact) and concluding with key insights for maximising the impact of R&D in the future, the book holds valuable lessons for practitioners, policy makers and researchers across the international construction industry.
Residential Open Building, the result of a CIB Task Group 'Open Building Implementation', provides a state-of-the-art review of open building, fundamental principles, recent developments, and international coverage of current projects on both the public and private arena. Open Building is a highly flexible and economical method of building which has far reaching advantages for urban designers, architects, contractors, developers and end users.
The introduction of the New Engineering Contract (NEC) encourages a systematic approach to contracting which is multidisciplinary in nature and fully interlocked in form. The NEC is intended by its supporters to be more flexible and easier to use than any current leading traditional standard forms of contract. It is believed that these features reduce adversariality and disputes. The NEC seeks to achieve this aim primarily through co-operative management techniques and incentives built into the NEC's procedures. This commentary analyses and evaluates these and related claims of innovation. The New Engineering Contract: A legal commentary examines the background to the NEC, its design objectives, structure, procedures and likely judicial interpretation to determine whether it improves upon the traditional standard forms of contract. Special attention is given in the commentary to the development and the significance of the principles underlying preparation of the NEC as well as the arguments in favour of and against them.Throughout the detailed commentary upon the NEC clauses comparisons to the traditional forms are also made to highlight unique features and principles of general application. The conclusion reached is that the NEC does make a significant contribution to the development of standard forms of contract, addresses many of their short comings and offers one of the best models for their future development, direction and design. The commentary draws upon the body of the project management literature and legal analysis to support its conclusions. The New Engineering Contract: A legal commentary will be essential reading for lawyers, barristers and solicitors, as well as engineers and project managers.
Modern construction economics has a wider focus than was previously the case, with stronger links to mainstream economics reflecting increasing interest in a range of theoretical issues. This book brings together the essential reviews of this trend and pushes towards the development of a comprehensive theoretical framework for construction economics.
Project management is of critical importance in construction, yetits execution poses major challenges. In order to keep a project ontrack, decisions often have to be made before all the necessaryinformation is available. Drawing on a wide range of research, Managing ConstructionProjects proposes new ways of thinking about project managementin construction, exploring the skills required to manageuncertainty and offering techniques for thinking about thechallenges involved. The second edition takes the informationprocessing perspective introduced in the first edition and developsit further. In particular, this approach deepens the reader’sunderstanding of the dynamics in the construction project process– from the value proposition inherent in the project mission,to the functioning asset that generates value for its owners andusers. Managing Construction Projects is a unique andindispensible contribution to the available literature onconstruction project management. It will be of particular benefitto advanced students of construction and construction projectmanagement, as well as contractors and quantity surveyors. Reviews of the First edition: "A massive review of the art and science of the management ofprojects that has the great virtue of being a good read wherever itis touched. It spills the dirt on things that went wrong,elucidates the history so you can understand the industry's currentstance, draws on other countries experience and explains the latestmanagement processes. Throughout it is liberally sprinkled withanecdotes and case histories which amply illustrate the dos anddon't for practitioners wishing to deliver projects on time toexpected quality and price. A valuable book for students andpractitioners alike." —John D Findlay, Director, Stent "This is a valuable source for practitioners and students. Itcovers the A-Z of project management in a confident contemporarymanner, and provides a powerful and much needed conceptualperspective in place of a purely prescriptive approach. Theengaging presentation introduces a range of challenges toestablished thinking about project management, often by makingcomparisons between practices in the UK and those of othercountries." —Peter Lansley, Professor of Construction Management,University of Reading "A refreshing and unique study of information management and itsimpact upon international construction project management.... Thebook is well presented and written, logical and succinct and isflexible enough to allow readers to either read from start tofinish or to dip into selected chapters. This book deserves to bean established text for any construction or civil engineering under- and/or postgraduate course." —CNBR, 25th November 2003 "Generous use is made of anecdotes andc case historiesthroughout to support the theory. the book illustrates the mistakesmade by others, and the means to deliver projects on time and tocost." —Building Services Journal, April 2004
