Strategic Management Applied To International Construction

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.

This book reviews the general theory of strategy, relates it to the particular circumstances of the construction industry, and shows how it can be applied in practice. It brings together ideas from economics, marketing, management, business and politics to develop strategic management for both contractors' firms and the associated professions. Substantial changes have occurred in the industry since the book was first published in 1991. This Second Edition reflects the major developments that have followed the Latham and Egan reports, and includes new chapters on international strategy and marketing, showing how they can contribute to the strategic planning of construction organizations. The book will provide a valuable tool for the strategic development of construction firms. "Ten years separate the editions during which period a significant number of British, (and other), construction firms which had survived generations of proprietors merged, changed beyond recognition or ceased trading. One can not but wonder if publication of a work on strategic planning some twenty year earlier might have saved some of them." Construction Manager "The book presents the essential elements for managing at this higher level and should be a must for any construction professional who aspires to an executive position in industry as well as any student for construction management, project management and organizational management in construction. It comes highly recommended" Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

With case studies of best practice from around the world, this book outlines strategies for the international management of all aspects relating to construction.

This book draws together the main elements of strategic management theory and considers their relevance to contemporary practice in construction. It helps students understand what corporate strategy involves and how it is possible to develop a proactive approach to the management of key organisational resources that are essential to attain objectives. Understanding of the importance of strategic management has developed rapidly in the past decade. Recent economic events have shown that all organisations must continually reassess their approach to achieving intended objectives, especially improvement in customer focus. The construction industry is no different. Construction employers require graduates who are competent in understanding the basis of strategic management, the range of techniques that will enable the organisation to identify opportunities and threats and respond to rapid change. This book provides an overview of the context in which construction projects are carried out, and the potential methods that exist to conduct strategic analysis and decision-making. By analysing case studies, Corporate Strategy in Construction: Understanding today's theory & practice demonstrates how vital lessons can be learnt from other industries by benchmarking practices and developing alternative ways of delivering value to clients. A key message of the book is that construction organisations can, with a better appreciation of strategic management, increase their potential to innovate and create sustainable competitive advantage.

This book tells you everything you need to know about international construction: the companies, their markets, the types of projects they build, how they compete and operate and how it affects us all. It paints a comprehensive portrait of an overlooked global business that generates a major portion of the GDP in every developed nation. As with any mature sector, countries make efforts to export their expertise, but the competition in construction is fierce, and the risks are many. Only the leanest and meanest survive. What, then, does it take to win? Most writing on construction focuses at the project-management level or even more narrowly at the level of technical performance. This book presents the big picture; it tells you what successful international construction companies do to stay in the game and thrive. The book examines international construction through three lenses. The first is theory. The body of existing knowledge on construction is here brought together, condensed and explained. The second are the actors. The companies that lead the way in global construction are showcased, and the features that make countries desirable hosts are appraised. Finally, what is it that firms actually do? This last part delves into the various strategic approaches taken by 60 construction firms in carving out and defending an overseas market niche. The insights provide guidance on how global construction companies develop competitive advantage and stay resilient in the face of a mercurial global economy. These lessons will be of interest to the student and manager alike.

The book explains how Gravitational Distance and the System of Cities influence transnational construction-related firms when they venture overseas. The study presented in the book internalizes the characteristics of home and foreign cities, and of transnational firms, to develop situational business strategies and organization designs in terms of Strategy, Structure, Systems, Leadership Style, Firm’s Skills, Staff’s characteristics, Shared Values and Supply Chain. The book presents the findings of surveys and interviews with managers and professionals in eight different Asian cities stretching from Singapore to China. The findings are then used to develop business solutions in the form of a Decision Support System (DSS) for transnational construction firms, helping them to adopt an appropriate organization design strategy when they venture into overseas markets. Issues relating to globalization, competitiveness, risk management, communications, networks, government interference, business strategies, organization structures and systems in the context of international construction business are discussed together with corresponding recommendations for implementation. Although construction-related firms were used as the basis for the field studies, the lessons learned are equally applicable for organizations in other industries.