Knowledge management presents a new way of understanding organizations and companies, and is especially suited to sophisticated and highly technical firms and operations such as those in the construction industry. This new book draws on hard data from three separate research programs in Sweden and shows how the concept of knowledge can make sense in the construction industry, an industry which can be viewed in essence as being engaged in the material transformation of "nature into buildings". In particular it explores and examines three different businesses: a medium sized construction firm; Wingardh Architecture, Sweden's most prestigious architecture firm; and BESAB, a specialist concrete injection firm working on underground construction. An emerging theme is the situational and context-bound nature of knowledge in the construction industry, thus showing "knowledge" to be a remarkably heterogeneous concept. A range of readers should find the book useful, from students and construction managers through to researchers.

This topical and timely book presents and innovative approach to dealing with the complexities of cost planning in PFI. PFI/PPP projects have a significantly different costing environment from conventionally procured projects, requiring cost analysts to use their expertise and innovative thinking to develop whole-life cost solutions that deliver value for money to the client, thus improving public building assets performance. Abdelhalim Boussabaine provides a thorough grounding in the theory of PFI, from its early evolution through to examples of current projects. In particular, the rationale for private financing of public services, arguments for and against PFI and 'value for money' mechanisms are discussed. The book presents an innovative framework for whole-life value and calls for changes in the way whole life cycle value is perceived, created and exchanged. Cost Planning of PFI and PPP Building Projects provides the reader with existing knowledge as well as present innovative thinking for future development and management of PFI/PPP cost planning processes. Given the importance and novelty of this book, academics, professionals, undergraduate and postgraduate students will find this book valuable.

Construction is one of the most challenging industrial environments for effective people management. It is characterised by geographically dispersed projects, production-oriented management styles, long working hours, high levels of staff turnover and employment practices grounded in the traditional 'personnel' paradigm. The employee resourcing function - recruitment, selection and deployment - is largely reactive and intuitive, and fails to draw on the longer-term benefits of strategic human resource management (SHRM). This book explores the challenges inherent in employee resourcing in-depth. It provides insights into the strategic considerations and operational approaches adopted by large construction organisations in deploying their human resources. It presents an improved framework for informed SHRM-style decision-making derived from an extensive study conducted within eight major construction organisations. This book provides a valuable resource for both students and practitioners interested in evaluating and improving current organisational practice.

Most construction projects are large and costly. Collaborative working involves two or more stakeholders sharing their efforts and resources to complete the project more effectively and efficiently. Collaborative, integrative and multi-disciplinary teams can tackle the complex issues involved in creating a viable built environment. This tends to be looked at from three interrelated perspectives: the technological, organizational, and social; and of these the key issue is to improve productivity and enable innovation through the empowerment and motivation of people. This book provides insights for researchers and practitioners in the building and construction industry as well as graduate students, written by an international group of leading scholars and professionals into the potential use, development and limitations of current collaborative technologies and practices. Material is grouped into the themes of advanced technologies for collaborative working, virtual prototyping in design and construction, building information modelling, managing the collaborative processes, and human issues in collaborative working.

Innovation in Small Construction Firms promotes the benefits of innovation, and stimulate innovation capability within and between small and medium sized (SMEs) construction firms in an effort to bring in a new 'can innovate, should innovate, want to innovate' culture to the construction industry. Presenting new theoretical and practical insights and models grounded in descriptive case studies, the issues addressed include: what is the motivation to innovate? what is appropriate innovation? how can small construction firms create, manage and exploit innovation? what practice-based models, tools and techniques support the capability of small construction firms to innovate well? how does this fit in the context of leading international work in construction innovation? Findings are contextualised in the broader literature to make them of relevance to policy makers, practitioners and researchers interested in small, project-based firms in general.

Construction Law and Management explains the state of design information appropriate to a given procurement route, and the need to identify risks and strategies for managing them. This handy desk side reference offers a comprehensive guide to construction law and management and is essential reading for anyone in the construction, architecture and engineering industries.

Cost management of all building projects has become increasingly important as clients in the public and private sector demand the highest quality cost planning services with accurate budgeting and cost control. All members of the design team must integrate their activities to ensure that a high quality project is delivered on time and within budget. This book considers building cost planning and cost control from the client and the design team's perspective, where all decisions whether concerned with design, cost, quality, time, value or sustainability are taken as being interrelated. The latest Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work and the New Rules of Measurement for Early Stage Estimating and Cost Planning issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have been incorporated into this new text. The book follows the building design cost planning process from the crucial inception stages and then through all the design stages to the completion of the technical design, contract documentation and the tender. It provides a template for good cost planning practice. An essential addition to this third edition is the introduction of integrated design and documentation processes captured in building Information modelling (BIM), on-line cost databases and computerised methods of cost planning. The integrated approaches are explained and provide vital information and knowledge for practitioners involved in building projects. All stakeholders involved in development and design and client teams in public and private sector policy making and implementation need to understand the new approaches to design management processes and how cost planning and design approaches are adapting to using the new technology in practice. The interactive style, using in-text and review questions makes this ideal for students and practitioners alike in property, architecture, construction economics, construction management, real estate, engineering, facilities management and project management.

This title was first published in 1976

Construction is one of the largest and most people-intensive industrial sectors. In many countries, however, construction is also one of the most highly criticized in terms of its employment practices and industrial relations. People and culture are too often seen as variables that must be manipulated in the cause of improved productivity. This important new work provides an essential corrective to the current literature by focusing on people and culture rather than sector efficiency. It presents the latest thinking from a diversity of perspectives derived from a major ESRC seminar series and invited contributions from leading researchers. Its interdisciplinary approach draws together industry and research and is international in its relevance. Through several multidisciplinary themes, People and Culture in Construction: explores the industry's labour market and the major influences on employment patterns examines how to improve the image and reality of the construction sector as an employer looks at the forces shaping the industry and implications for its stability considers the current composition of the workforce and the potential impacts of workforce diversification analyzes the impact of government targets and policies on construction working practices and culture investigates how to address the skills shortfall currently affecting the industry's performance.

First published in 1983, this study investigates and compares three leading firms in the British iron and steel industry between 1914 and 1939, analysing their strategies, boardroom politics, and their responses to the problems posed by the Great War and by the vicissitudes of the 1920s and '30s. Jonathan Boswell illuminates certain issues that are of perennial importance for students of business: rationality and 'error' in decision-making, ethics, centralisation versus decentralisation, and the question of cyclical phases. The central theme throughout is the pursuit of three partly conflicting objectives: growth, efficiency and social action. The trade-offs between these three pursuits are used to examine significant contrasts in corporate strategies and behaviour, including towards government and public opinion. Boswell's rejection of economic determinism; his insistence that managerial influences fall into definable long-run patterns; and his theses on managerial specialisation and long-term policy biases confront fundamental issues for theories of the firm.

Highlights nanotechnology applications in smart buildings. Reviews nano-enhanced glass and phase change materials for energy saving and energy storage. Discusses nanomaterials used in air purification applications as well as sustainable pigments. Covers latest developments in polymers, glasses, coatings, paints, and insulating materials.

Risk is related to the magnitude and uncertainty of an output (consequence or outcome); outputs take on different identities in different disciplines and situations. Risk is peculiar to each stakeholder and the measurement scale for risk depends on the stakeholder's value system. Risk management provides a way of addressing the issues associated with the magnitude and uncertainty of outputs. This book provides a distinctively rational treatment of risk and risk management, based on a systems approach. The book's treatment applies to all disciplines and sets out the principles of risk and risk management as well as looking at a range of applications and more specialist tools and approaches. The book: Develops a risk framework through a systems approach Offers a challenging and fresh approach for infrastructure engineering, construction and project management in general The book will suit students and practitioners alike.

This book is a comprehensive and practical guide to project marketing - a crucial aspect of businesses worldwide. It encompasses a variety of key infrastructure projects such as roads, airports, ports, power, irrigation, commercial, and industrial buildings. The volume: * Provides key definitions and discusses concepts such as segmentation, target marketing, positioning in projects, and organizational buyer behaviour. * Draws and adapts from extant marketing theory and provides real-life case studies to demonstrate application of concepts. * Focuses on project marketing logic, marketing mix, negotiation techniques, and strategies to aid contracting/subcontracting firms to realize better pricing and project profitability. An essential handbook for professional marketers and researchers, this book will be indispensable for B-Schools, project managers, entrepreneurs, infrastructure corporations, and start-ups. It will serve as a key text to foster hassle-free relationships between different business actors and reduce roadblocks such as time and cost escalation, litigation, and the like.

As a heavy user of electricity the primary aluminium smelting industry is a leading example of the effects of variations in energy costs. This title tells the story that with the rise in energy costs, three regions-Japan, the United States, and Western Europe -have become high-cost locations for primary aluminium production relative to three other regions-Australia, Brazil, and Canada. First published in 1988, this volume presents an analysis of the public policy choices regarding the aluminium industry and electric power in both low-cost power countries and high-cost power countries. The World Aluminium Industry in a Changing Energy World is ideal for policy makers and students interested in environmental studies.

Civil Engineering Materials explains why construction materials behave the way they do. It covers the construction materials content for undergraduate courses in civil engineering and related subjects and serves as a valuable reference for professionals working in the construction industry. The book concentrates on demonstrating methods to obtain, analyse and use information rather than focusing on presenting large amounts of data. Beginning with basic properties of materials, it moves on to more complex areas such as the theory of concrete durability and corrosion of steel.

Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction has been specially written for the thousands of students who complete the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety each year. Fully revised in alignment with the April 2015 syllabus, the fifth edition provides students with all they need to tackle the course with confidence.

The book covers all the essential elements of health and safety management in construction including the legal framework, risk assessment and control standards. Highly illustrated, with information provided in a clear, easily accessible format, it also provides checklists and record sheets to supplement learning.

Aligned to the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety

Practice questions and answers to test knowledge and increase understanding

Complete with a companion website containing extra resources for tutors and students at www.routledge.com/cw/hughes

The only textbook endorsed for the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety, the Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction is also suitable for construction courses in the UK and overseas and serves as a comprehensive reference for managers and professionals within the construction industry.

Table of Contents

1. Foundations in Health and Safety 2. Health and Safety Management Systems – PLAN 3. Health and Safety Management Systems – Organising – DO Part I 4. Health and Safety Management Systems – Risk Assessment and Controls – DO Part II 5. Health and Safety Management Systems – Monitoring, Investigation and Recording – CHECK 6. Health and Safety Management Systems – Audit and Review – ACT 7. Construction Law and Management 8. Construction Site Issues – Hazards and Risk Control 9. Vehicle and Plant Movement – Hazards and Risk Control 10. Musculoskeletal Hazards and Risk Control 11. Work Equipment Hazards and Risk Control 12. Electrical Safety 13. Fire Safety 14. Chemical and Biological Health Hazards and Risk Control 15. Physical and Psychological Health Hazards and Risk Control 16. Working at Height – Hazards and Risk Control 17. Excavation Work and Confined Spaces – Hazards and Risk Control 18. Demolition and Deconstruction – Hazards and Risk Control 19. Summary of the Main Legal Requirements 20. Environment and International Aspects of Health and Safety 21. Study skills 22. Specimen answers to practice questions 23. International Sources of Information and Guidance

An interest in the minor metals - termed "minor" as their annual production is relatively small - had been developing for many years. This study, first published in 1965, examines patterns of supply that can be identified as underlying the production of minor metals, and then uses these patterns to investigate the nature and degree of competition in the production of minor metals. This book will be of interest to students of environmental studies.

Through the emerging lens of social enterprise, this book examines how the global construction industry can engage more effectively with the communities in which it builds, addressing disadvantage and environmental degradation to leave a positive legacy for future generations. Combining insights from leading research and real-life case studies of social enterprise in the construction sector, the result is a practical framework which will help social enterprises, clients, consultants and construction firms work collectively to build a thriving social enterprise sector. Readers of this timely book will learn to embrace social enterprise and an important new sector in the global construction industry. They will learn to see community involvement as an opportunity rather than a risk, and fully understand the broader role they can play in building a fairer and more sustainable society.

First published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This work considers the current nature of the UK construction industry and looks at the limitations of conventional procurement systems and the need for a new approach to procurement in the face of the recession and overseas competition. The book analyzes the use of supply chain management and other strategic procurement techniques and outlines generic approaches to better practice. It also demonstrates to the key players in the construction process how they can improve their own effectiveness and profitability. Using a number of case studies to demonstrate the process and practices described, this edition illustrates how they can work effectively in practice.

Originally published in 1948, A History of Cast Iron in Architecture is a comprehensive history of the part that has been played by cast iron in architecture and the allied arts in Britain. Any history of the rise and development of the iron-founding industry becomes virtually a history of the First Industrial Revolution. Examining the use of cast iron by builders and architects from late medieval times to the middle of the 20th Century the authors have also recorded a miniature history of British Industry. The introduction throws light on the early developments of iron-founding. The main sections of the book describe the rise and expansion of the cast-iron industry and its gradually increasing significance in architecture from 1650 to 1945. There are over 500 illustrations.

Why Do Contractors Lie? gives real estate investors the necessary knowledge to approach the contracting process from a higher level of expertise. Real estate investor of many years, J. O. A. Maurice, equips investors with the appropriate and repeatable skills to hire the right contractors for the right jobs, at the right price, and for the right duration. In Why Do Contractors Lie?, Maurice lays out the appropriate and effective skills investors need so they don't have to lose their investment due to a lying contractor. Within Why Do Contractors Lie?, real estate investors learn how to: Find a contractor they can trust Spot when contractors start to lie Make sure their project gets completed perfectly on time Avoid end-of-contract arguments or lawsuits Never again lose another investment because of terrible contractors

Here is the ultimate handbook for engineers, architects, contractors, specifications workers, and hardware managers who need to deliver products and services at a consistently high level of quality. It introduces ISO 9000, a proven method of building a quality track record that will stand up under the closest scrutiny even in the most competitive environments.
ISO 9000 in Construction enables construction professionals--from architects and engineers to contractors and suppliers--to develop quality standards and procedures precisely suited to their particular needs and responsibilities. It offers step-by-step instructions on the implementation and management of an ISO 9000 quality assurance system and demonstrates how the system puts the quality-management process into effect before work begins and detects and corrects problems before they reach disastrous proportions.
The book introduces the 20 basic elements of ISO 9000 and describes how each can be implemented in a wide array of construction-related companies. It coaches readers in the development of quality manuals, general quality procedures, work instructions, and the forms that are used in a quality assurance system. Numerous case studies demonstrate the ability of ISO 9000 to improve a company's quality performance, avoid costly errors that erode profits, and produce satisfied customers eager to use the company's services again.
Companies with ISO 9000 certification are already given contract preference in Europe and Australia. It is likely that within a few years the same will be true in North America. This book helps construction-related firms get a head start on ISO 9000 compliance while raising their performance levels, improving efficiency and productivity, and assuring a fair profit from their goods and services.
The only ISO 9000 book tailor-made for the construction industry . . .
ISO 9000 compliance is rapidly becoming a prerequisite for companies seeking international construction contracts, and the same may soon be true for firms operating solely within North America. Until now, however, no book has approached ISO 9000 from the unique point of view of the construction industry and related fields.
This indispensable handbook offers a comprehensive, step-by-step interpretation of ISO 9000 quality standards and their implementation in the construction industry. This remarkably useful guide
* Introduces ISO 9000 concepts and explains how they apply to all players in the construction industry, from architects, to contractors, to suppliers
* Explains how each of the standard's 20 elements is implemented in the various construction-related manufacturing and service companies
* Describes the development of quality manuals, general quality procedures, work instructions, and forms needed to implement a quality-assurance system
* Provides case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of ISO 9000 standards
* Supplies numerous forms, checklists, tables, and illustrations to help readers understand and apply the requirements

For architects, engineers, contractors, specifications workers, hardware managers, and other professionals in construction-related industries, ISO 9000 in Construction is the key to achieving more consistent performance levels, improved efficiency and productivity, a solid reputation for quality, and a sharper competitive edge.

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.

Lay Analysis: Life Inside the Controversy chronicles the history of nonmedical analysis in absorbing detail. It begins with the events of 1910 in Europe and America that initiated their divergent attitudes and policies regarding lay analysis, proceeds to the unfolding struggles over this issue on both sides of the Atlantic, and reviews the halting efforts of the APsaA, beginning in the 1950s, to reassess its opposition to lay analysis and make some provision for the training of nonmedical practitioners. Wallerstein's illuminating treatment of the response of American nonphysician therapists to the APsaA's policy - the manner in which they managed to obtain clinical psychoanalytic training despite the APsaA's prohibition - forms a fascinating story within his grand narrative. The book culminates in a comprehensive review of the lawsuit of March 1985 in which four clinical psychologists, representing a stated class of several thousand colleagues and fully supported by the American Psychological Association, brought suit against the APsaA and IPA, hoping in this way to force a change in the APsaA's policies regarding the training of lay practitioners. Wallerstein, drawing on the voluminous documentation to which he had full access - memoranda, correspondence, depositions, legal briefs, and phone conversations - reviews the three-and-a-half-year history of the lawsuit. He concludes his narrative with a measured and thoughtful assessment of the impact of the settlement on psychoanalysis today: the changes it has brought about within organized psychoanalysis and the meaning of those changes for psychoanalysis as a discipline. Given Wallerstein's comprehensive scholarship, his admirable even-handedness, and his unique participatory role in the lay analysis controversy over the course of his career, it is unsurprising that Lay Analysis: Life Inside the Controversy should achieve distinction as a major contribution to the institutional history of psychoanalysis.