Building Economics Theory And Practice

We no longer build buildings like we used to nor do we pay for them in the same way. Buildings today are no longer only shelter but are also life support systems, communication terminals, data manufacturing centers, and much more. Buildings are incredibly expensive tools that must be constantly adjusted to function efficiently. The economics of building has become as complex as its design. When buildings were shelter they lasted longer than their builders. The av erage gothic master mason lived 35 or 40 years. Cathedrals took 3 or 4 hundred years to build. Cost estimates were verified by great great grandchildren of the original designer. Today, creative economics has become as important as creative design and creative building. The dient brings builder, contractor, architect, and facilities manager to account in their life time. The cost of building can therefore no longer be left to chance or act of god. Solutions are no longer as ingeniously simple as those proposed by a Flor entine builder early in the 15th century. He proposed to center the dome of S. Maria deI Fiore on a great mound of earth mixed with pennies. When the job was done street urchins would carry away the dirt in their search for the pennies. This was a serious suggestion offered by an early construction manager before Brunelleschi solved the problem more sensibly.

Students across a wide range of disciplines, ranging from construction management and construction engineering through to architecture, property and surveying should find this an invaluable textbook.

Offers students and practitioners of building and architecture an insight into economic principles and techniques, and a practical illustration of how economic events and policies affect the building and construction industry.

Traditional building economics has primarily been concerned with issues around project appraisal and cost management techniques. On the other hand, modern construction economics has a wider focus with stronger links to mainstream economics, reflecting an increased interest in a range of theoretical issues in construction economics, both at the macro and micro level. In Modern Construction Economics: Theory and Application, a variety of approaches are used to present a coherent vision of synthesis between industry economics and project economics. Topics covered include: developing construction economics as idustry economics competition and barriers to entry in construction innovation in construction theory testing in construction management research collusion and corruption in the construction sector. Including contributions from academics in the UK, Sweden, Hong Kong, and Australia, this is a truly global review of a core issue for the construction industry worldwide. The result is a unique book that will push toward the development of a comprehensive theoretical framework of construction economics. This is a must-read for all serious students of construction economics, and all practitioners looking for a deeper understanding of their industry.

This is the first comprehensive investigation of the industrial sourcing and procurement practices throughout sixty-eight construction industry supply channels across seven major commodity sectors at all levels. London presents real-world case studies to combine theory and practice to describe the economic structural and behavioural characteristics of sectors integral to the construction industry performance. Construction Supply Chain Economics details 'everyday' experiences and procurement decisions made by people in firms in the industry related to projects as they seek out other firms to work with during the tendering stage. London creates a language that enables us to classify and understand behaviour and recognise the impact of our decisions on firms and projects within the industry. Construction Supply Chain Economics introduces a new model for mapping the construction sector of particular interest to construction management and economic researchers and to procurement decision makers, including policymakers and clients, as well as industry practitioners, such as contractors, consultants and materials suppliers.

This revised edition of an established classic textbook brings the subject right up to date. It applies economic theory to the formation of demand on the construction industry and to the way the industry responds. This edition provides a topical assessment of the implication for competition of new methods of procurement, includes a new chapter on rehabilitation, repair and maintenance, and extends the use of theory to issues such as the problems of appropriate technology for developing countries, and contractors' diversification.

Newly updated, the Seventh Edition of "Economics: Theory and Practice" introduces students to basic economic concepts, institutions, relationships, and terminology. Covering a range of timely subjects and featuring engaging pedagogical tools, this book prepares students to use economic thinking in their classes, careers, and everyday lives. Through six editions, students have cited the text as exceptionally user-friendly and readable.

This innovative Research Companion considers the history, nature and status of construction economics, and its need for development as a field in order to be recognised as a distinct discipline. It presents a state-of-the-art review of construction economics, identifying areas for further research.