Building International Construction Alliances

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.

A recent construction project in Singapore involved a Russian plant, a Japanese management team, Australian and Italian engineers, Thai steel workers and a labour force from throughout Asia ... The recent growth explosion of multi-nationals and the lowering of trade barriers is pushing the globalization of construction at a startling pace. Mark Mawhinney has brought together for the first time, advice, information and evidence on this developing arena from a wide range of sources. This book offers a clear understanding of the international construction market and an explanation of what knowledge is required to operate successfully in it. It also helps readers become familiar with some of the analytical tools available. Drawing on both contractor and consultant case studies and including a practical 'hints and signposts' section, International Construction provides a lively and informed introduction for construction professionals moving into international work.

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.

Written to provide coverage of the knowledge required to address strategic issues relating to the business of construction on a global scale. This book provides knowledge by a series of case studies of leading consultants, and contractors and suppliers of products to highlight practice by organizations in America, Japan and Europe.

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.