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...

The concept of value in projects is a key issue for everyone involved in the construction industry. Building in Value brings together many experts in the field to outline the wide range of tools, techniques and procedures that can and should be used to make the building procurement phase as efficient as possible. The authors go on to discuss how to ensure that future problems in the design and construction of the buildings are anticipated at the start and to minimise the liklihood of futur...

Despite the size, complexity and importance of the construction industry, there has been little study to date which focuses on the challenge of drawing reliable conclusions from the available data. The accuracy of industry reports has an impact on government policy, the direction and outcomes of research and the practices of construction firms, so confusion in this area can have far reaching consequences.In response to this, Measuring Construction looks at fundamental econ...

Accounting for Construction follows on from Measuring Construction, edited by the same team. It extends the coverage of some of the material in the first volume and expands the range of related topics to include, inter alia, shadow economies, accounting for informal construction and the treatment of the built environment sector in national accounts.Taken together, the two volumes collate a range of topics that are only addressed, if addressed at all, in o...

This book provides comprehensive coverage of issues that facility managers in the property industry need to understand and apply in the pursuit of value for money over the life span of built facilities. The authors introduce the fast-growing discipline of facility management, examine the core competencies that facility managers should possess and study different contemporary drivers of change. The book emphasises the need to consider facilities management issues at the pre-design stage of ...

The design and construction of buildings is a lengthy and expensive process, and those who commission buildings are continually looking for ways to improve the efficiency of the process. In this book, the second in the Building in Value series, a broad range of topics related to the processes of design and construction are explored by an international group of experts. The overall aim of the book is to look at ways that clients can improve the value for money outcomes of their decisions to...

Now in this fourth edition, the Facilities Management Handbook has been fully updated from the acclaimed previous editions, continuing its status as an invaluable resource to those working in facilities management, whether just starting out or as seasoned campaigners and practitioners.Information is presented in a clear and logical way, offering easy-to-find advice and best practice information that’s essential in guaranteeing the safe, efficient and cost-effective running of any f...

Only 43 per cent of U.S. construction firms remain in business after four years. Why? Inadequate management, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. This is surprising because most construction firms are formed by ambitious construction project managers, executives and tradesmen who have excelled at what they have been doing. But as experienced as these entrepreneurs may be, they are not likely prepared to take on the full range of responsibilities forced on them in managing t...

A practical handbook on the management of building design, this guide explains the processes, roles and responsibilities of those involved in the design of the building, as well as ways to maximise efficiency. Well structured and easy to read, the book includes useful notes and checklists on, for example, how to select a design team and how to organise and plan the design process. The authors are recognised authorities in the field of project management, based at an internationally renowne...

The economic analysis of a building is a complex subject and traditionally it has focused on a single aspect of the structure or a single part of the construction process. Dr Tempelmans Plat is a leading proponent of a new methodology which focuses on the building as a stock of services to be supplied over a long lifespan. This method is more realistic since it takes into account the changes in use and the adaptation of the building over its life. This book will be the first to make this m...

Filled with practical advice for all aspects of the construction manager's role, this invaluable book fills a need for training in this essential subject, to ensure greater efficiency on site and smoother client-contractor relations.Developed as a handy-reference guide for practitioners and also useful for students, it covers the broad range of responsibilities associated with the role, providing clear guidance and in-depth coverage of the essentials. Topics include financial respo...

How could the potential of IT be realised to improve business performance in architecture, construction and engineering organisations? How could organisations unleash the potential of IT to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage? How can organisations migrate from technology to IT-enabled business thinking?Based on the author's twenty years research experience, this book provides a holistic picture of the factors that enable architecture, construction and engineering organisat...