Author: Nick B. Ganaway
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136414878
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
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 the business of construction in its entirety. While this business failure rate and its causes are based on U.S. experience, available data from a number of other industrialized countries shows they are similar. This book describes in detail what the business side of the construction equation requires of the construction firm owner. The contractor who quickly learns these requirements can identify and avoid or manage around the pitfalls that cause the high failure rate in our industry and put his or her construction firm on a level playing field with the best-run companies in the business. The detailed duties of the owner, whether in the U.S., U.K., Australia or Canada, are a common theme throughout the book. The author, Nick Ganaway, speaks peer-to-peer, and the book is sprinkled with supporting examples from his own experience. He is immersed in the industry and this book is "based on the things I've learned, used, and refined as a light-commercial general contractor in the course of starting and operating my own construction firm for 25 years." The contractor doing $5 million or $50 million or more in annual sales or the equivalent amount in other countries, or the entrepreneur who is just starting up, can use the tried and proven material in this book to build a business that is profitable, enjoyable, and enduring. Additionally, the book devotes a chapter to specializing in chain-store construction.
Construction Business Management
Author: Nick B. Ganaway
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136414878
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
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 the business of construction in its entirety. While this business failure rate and its causes are based on U.S. experience, available data from a number of other industrialized countries shows they are similar. This book describes in detail what the business side of the construction equation requires of the construction firm owner. The contractor who quickly learns these requirements can identify and avoid or manage around the pitfalls that cause the high failure rate in our industry and put his or her construction firm on a level playing field with the best-run companies in the business. The detailed duties of the owner, whether in the U.S., U.K., Australia or Canada, are a common theme throughout the book. The author, Nick Ganaway, speaks peer-to-peer, and the book is sprinkled with supporting examples from his own experience. He is immersed in the industry and this book is "based on the things I've learned, used, and refined as a light-commercial general contractor in the course of starting and operating my own construction firm for 25 years." The contractor doing $5 million or $50 million or more in annual sales or the equivalent amount in other countries, or the entrepreneur who is just starting up, can use the tried and proven material in this book to build a business that is profitable, enjoyable, and enduring. Additionally, the book devotes a chapter to specializing in chain-store construction.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136414878
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
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 the business of construction in its entirety. While this business failure rate and its causes are based on U.S. experience, available data from a number of other industrialized countries shows they are similar. This book describes in detail what the business side of the construction equation requires of the construction firm owner. The contractor who quickly learns these requirements can identify and avoid or manage around the pitfalls that cause the high failure rate in our industry and put his or her construction firm on a level playing field with the best-run companies in the business. The detailed duties of the owner, whether in the U.S., U.K., Australia or Canada, are a common theme throughout the book. The author, Nick Ganaway, speaks peer-to-peer, and the book is sprinkled with supporting examples from his own experience. He is immersed in the industry and this book is "based on the things I've learned, used, and refined as a light-commercial general contractor in the course of starting and operating my own construction firm for 25 years." The contractor doing $5 million or $50 million or more in annual sales or the equivalent amount in other countries, or the entrepreneur who is just starting up, can use the tried and proven material in this book to build a business that is profitable, enjoyable, and enduring. Additionally, the book devotes a chapter to specializing in chain-store construction.
Construction Business Management
Author: John E. Schaufelberger
Publisher: Pearson Higher Ed
ISBN: 013300287X
Category : House & Home
Languages : en
Pages : 262
Book Description
This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. Construction is a risky business! And unfortunately the reality is that construction company managers often lack the necessary “business management” skills needed to ensure the survival of their firms. This groundbreaking new book is the first of its kind that consolidates critical business management topics, and presents them practically and accessibly by showing how they relate to the management of a construction company.
Publisher: Pearson Higher Ed
ISBN: 013300287X
Category : House & Home
Languages : en
Pages : 262
Book Description
This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. Construction is a risky business! And unfortunately the reality is that construction company managers often lack the necessary “business management” skills needed to ensure the survival of their firms. This groundbreaking new book is the first of its kind that consolidates critical business management topics, and presents them practically and accessibly by showing how they relate to the management of a construction company.
Residential Construction Management
Author: Joseph A. Griffin
Publisher: J. Ross Publishing
ISBN: 1604270225
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
Residential Construction Management will provide construction managers a concise and practical guide to managing residential construction projects. One of the fundamental reasons residential contractors fail to prosper is that they are poor managers. By presenting project management tools in their appropriate context of the project lifecycle—initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing, readers will more clearly understand the iterative nature of construction management, which is a key to successfully managing a construction project. You can't afford to be without this indispensible working tool and its step-by-step instructions, project management templates, and real-world case studies. Residential Construction Management provides construction managers a concise and practical guide to managing residential construction projects. One of the fundamental reasons residential contractors fail to prosper is that they are poor managers. By presenting project management tools in their appropriate context of the project lifecycle — initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing — you will more clearly understand the true nature of construction management, which is a key to successfully managing a construction project. You can't afford to be without this indispensible working tool and its step-by-step instructions, project management templates, and real world case studies.Key Features ¦ Walks you through the entire project management lifecycle resulting in a better understanding of the iterative processes of construction management ¦ Offers the information and real world tools needed to successfully apply to a planned or current project ¦ Shows how various knowledge areas and project management tools interact when doing a project providing you with the knowledge to create your own project plan ¦ Offers a downloadable building specification form, change order authorization form, construction schedule, sample budget, construction flowchart, a guide to working with bankers for spec home loans, and much more — available from the Web Added Value™ Download Resource Center at www.jrosspub.com
Publisher: J. Ross Publishing
ISBN: 1604270225
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
Residential Construction Management will provide construction managers a concise and practical guide to managing residential construction projects. One of the fundamental reasons residential contractors fail to prosper is that they are poor managers. By presenting project management tools in their appropriate context of the project lifecycle—initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing, readers will more clearly understand the iterative nature of construction management, which is a key to successfully managing a construction project. You can't afford to be without this indispensible working tool and its step-by-step instructions, project management templates, and real-world case studies. Residential Construction Management provides construction managers a concise and practical guide to managing residential construction projects. One of the fundamental reasons residential contractors fail to prosper is that they are poor managers. By presenting project management tools in their appropriate context of the project lifecycle — initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing — you will more clearly understand the true nature of construction management, which is a key to successfully managing a construction project. You can't afford to be without this indispensible working tool and its step-by-step instructions, project management templates, and real world case studies.Key Features ¦ Walks you through the entire project management lifecycle resulting in a better understanding of the iterative processes of construction management ¦ Offers the information and real world tools needed to successfully apply to a planned or current project ¦ Shows how various knowledge areas and project management tools interact when doing a project providing you with the knowledge to create your own project plan ¦ Offers a downloadable building specification form, change order authorization form, construction schedule, sample budget, construction flowchart, a guide to working with bankers for spec home loans, and much more — available from the Web Added Value™ Download Resource Center at www.jrosspub.com
Construction Project Management
Author: Alison Dykstra
Publisher: Kirshner Publishing Company
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 426
Book Description
Construction Project Management provides the reader with crucial background information often overlooked in other texts: The roles of the major players owners and designers, general and specialty contractors; Why contractors should avoid some jobs, and how to get the right ones; What bidding is, and why the low bid is not always the best bid; Why different types of construction contracts carry different levels of risk; Why cost estimates and schedules are keys to project success; How a contractor brings in a job on time and on budget; And much more: Alternative project delivery and BIM; Change orders and getting paid; MasterFormat; ConsensusDocs and AIA Documents; An expanded and updated introduction to Green Construction.
Publisher: Kirshner Publishing Company
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 426
Book Description
Construction Project Management provides the reader with crucial background information often overlooked in other texts: The roles of the major players owners and designers, general and specialty contractors; Why contractors should avoid some jobs, and how to get the right ones; What bidding is, and why the low bid is not always the best bid; Why different types of construction contracts carry different levels of risk; Why cost estimates and schedules are keys to project success; How a contractor brings in a job on time and on budget; And much more: Alternative project delivery and BIM; Change orders and getting paid; MasterFormat; ConsensusDocs and AIA Documents; An expanded and updated introduction to Green Construction.
Financial Management in Construction Contracting
Author: Andrew Ross
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118537971
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 456
Book Description
This authoritative text provides a detailed insight into howconstruction companies manage their finances at both corporate andproject level. It will guide students and practitioners through thecomplexities of the financial reporting of construction projectswithin the constraints of accepted accounting practice. The book iswritten for non-accountants and from a contractor’sperspective and is equally relevant to subcontractors and maincontractors. The authors examine the relationship between the external annualaccounts and the internal cost-value reconciliation process. CVR iscovered in depth and the authors consider issues such as interimpayments, subcontract accounts, contractual claims, final accounts,cash flow management and the reporting of the physical andfinancial progress of contracts. A broad perspective of all the financial aspects of contractingis taken along with related legal issues and the authors explainhow things operate in the ‘real world’. They describegood practice in financial control while at the same time beinghonest about some of the more questionable practices that can - anddo - happen. The approach taken is unique as the financialmanagement of construction projects is considered from theperspective of the contractor’s quantity surveyor. The bookdeals with the real issues that surveyors have to address whenusing their judgment to report turnover, profitability, cash flow,and work in progress on projects and the financial problems facedby subcontractors are frankly and pragmatically explored. The payment and notice requirements of the Construction Act areexplained in detail and relevant provisions of JCT2011, NEC3, ICC,DOM/1 and other standard contracts and subcontracts are alsocovered. Financial Management in Construction Contractingaddresses the wide variety of external factors that influence howconstruction companies operate, including government policy,banking covenants and the financial aspects of supply chainmanagement. Cost reporting systems are described and real-lifeexamples are used to illustrate cost reports, accrual systems andhow computerised systems can be employed to provide the QS withinformation that can be audited. Examples drawn from practice demonstrate how work-in-progress(WIP) is reported in contracting. Cost value reconciliation reportsare featured and the book demonstrates how adjustments are made forovermeasure, undermeasure, subcontract liabilities and WIP as wellas explaining the processes that contractors use when analysingexternal valuations. This is the ideal core text for final year degree andpost-graduate level modules on Quantity Surveying, CommercialManagement, Construction Management and Project Management coursesand will provide an invaluable source of reference for quantitysurveyors and others who may be engaged in the financial managementof construction projects. The book’s companion website at ahref="http://www.wiley.com/go/xxxx"www.wiley.com/go/rossfinancialmanagement/a offersinvaluable resources for students and lecturers as well as forpractising construction managers: end-of-chapter exercises + outline answers PowerPoint slides for each chapter ideas for discussion topics links to useful websites
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118537971
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 456
Book Description
This authoritative text provides a detailed insight into howconstruction companies manage their finances at both corporate andproject level. It will guide students and practitioners through thecomplexities of the financial reporting of construction projectswithin the constraints of accepted accounting practice. The book iswritten for non-accountants and from a contractor’sperspective and is equally relevant to subcontractors and maincontractors. The authors examine the relationship between the external annualaccounts and the internal cost-value reconciliation process. CVR iscovered in depth and the authors consider issues such as interimpayments, subcontract accounts, contractual claims, final accounts,cash flow management and the reporting of the physical andfinancial progress of contracts. A broad perspective of all the financial aspects of contractingis taken along with related legal issues and the authors explainhow things operate in the ‘real world’. They describegood practice in financial control while at the same time beinghonest about some of the more questionable practices that can - anddo - happen. The approach taken is unique as the financialmanagement of construction projects is considered from theperspective of the contractor’s quantity surveyor. The bookdeals with the real issues that surveyors have to address whenusing their judgment to report turnover, profitability, cash flow,and work in progress on projects and the financial problems facedby subcontractors are frankly and pragmatically explored. The payment and notice requirements of the Construction Act areexplained in detail and relevant provisions of JCT2011, NEC3, ICC,DOM/1 and other standard contracts and subcontracts are alsocovered. Financial Management in Construction Contractingaddresses the wide variety of external factors that influence howconstruction companies operate, including government policy,banking covenants and the financial aspects of supply chainmanagement. Cost reporting systems are described and real-lifeexamples are used to illustrate cost reports, accrual systems andhow computerised systems can be employed to provide the QS withinformation that can be audited. Examples drawn from practice demonstrate how work-in-progress(WIP) is reported in contracting. Cost value reconciliation reportsare featured and the book demonstrates how adjustments are made forovermeasure, undermeasure, subcontract liabilities and WIP as wellas explaining the processes that contractors use when analysingexternal valuations. This is the ideal core text for final year degree andpost-graduate level modules on Quantity Surveying, CommercialManagement, Construction Management and Project Management coursesand will provide an invaluable source of reference for quantitysurveyors and others who may be engaged in the financial managementof construction projects. The book’s companion website at ahref="http://www.wiley.com/go/xxxx"www.wiley.com/go/rossfinancialmanagement/a offersinvaluable resources for students and lecturers as well as forpractising construction managers: end-of-chapter exercises + outline answers PowerPoint slides for each chapter ideas for discussion topics links to useful websites
Management for the Construction Industry
Author: Stephen D. Lavender
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317889908
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 393
Book Description
Management for the Construction Industry introduces the principles of management and applies them to the construction industry. It covers the level 2 module of the CIOB's Education Framework on management and is officially sanctioned by the CIOB as the recognised text for that module. The text builds on the knowledge of basic disciplines, such as technology, economics and law, and forms the basis for more advanced studies in specialist aspects of management. The main context of the book is the construction industry but emphasis is also given throughout to transferable skills in the study of management. This book is a core text for the CIOB level 2 module on management, as well as BTEC HNC/D building studies and degree courses in building, construction management and surveying.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317889908
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 393
Book Description
Management for the Construction Industry introduces the principles of management and applies them to the construction industry. It covers the level 2 module of the CIOB's Education Framework on management and is officially sanctioned by the CIOB as the recognised text for that module. The text builds on the knowledge of basic disciplines, such as technology, economics and law, and forms the basis for more advanced studies in specialist aspects of management. The main context of the book is the construction industry but emphasis is also given throughout to transferable skills in the study of management. This book is a core text for the CIOB level 2 module on management, as well as BTEC HNC/D building studies and degree courses in building, construction management and surveying.
Construction Contracting
Author: Richard H. Clough
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118693213
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 692
Book Description
The definitive contracting reference for the construction industry, updated and expanded Construction Contracting, the industry's leading professional reference for five decades, has been updated to reflect current practices, business methods, management techniques, codes, and regulations. A cornerstone of the construction library, this text presents the hard-to-find information essential to successfully managing a construction company, applicable to building, heavy civil, high-tech, and industrial construction endeavors alike. A wealth of coverage on the basics of owning a construction business provides readers with a useful "checkup" on the state of their company, and in-depth exploration of the logistics, scheduling, administration, and legal aspects relevant to construction provide valuable guidance on important facets of the business operations. This updated edition contains new coverage of modern delivery methods, technology, and project management. The field of construction contracting comprises the entire set of skills, knowledge, and conceptual tools needed to successfully own or manage a construction company, as well as to undertake any actual project. This book gives readers complete, up-to-date information in all of these areas, with expert guidance toward best practices. Learn techniques for accurate cost estimating and effective bidding Understand construction contracts, surety bonds, and insurance Explore project time and cost management, with safety considerations Examine relevant labor law and labor relations techniques Between codes, standards, laws, and regulations, the construction industry presents many different areas with which the manager needs to be up to date, on top of actually doing the day-to-day running of the business. This book provides it all under one cover – for the project side and the business side, Construction Contracting is a complete working resource in the field or office.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118693213
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 692
Book Description
The definitive contracting reference for the construction industry, updated and expanded Construction Contracting, the industry's leading professional reference for five decades, has been updated to reflect current practices, business methods, management techniques, codes, and regulations. A cornerstone of the construction library, this text presents the hard-to-find information essential to successfully managing a construction company, applicable to building, heavy civil, high-tech, and industrial construction endeavors alike. A wealth of coverage on the basics of owning a construction business provides readers with a useful "checkup" on the state of their company, and in-depth exploration of the logistics, scheduling, administration, and legal aspects relevant to construction provide valuable guidance on important facets of the business operations. This updated edition contains new coverage of modern delivery methods, technology, and project management. The field of construction contracting comprises the entire set of skills, knowledge, and conceptual tools needed to successfully own or manage a construction company, as well as to undertake any actual project. This book gives readers complete, up-to-date information in all of these areas, with expert guidance toward best practices. Learn techniques for accurate cost estimating and effective bidding Understand construction contracts, surety bonds, and insurance Explore project time and cost management, with safety considerations Examine relevant labor law and labor relations techniques Between codes, standards, laws, and regulations, the construction industry presents many different areas with which the manager needs to be up to date, on top of actually doing the day-to-day running of the business. This book provides it all under one cover – for the project side and the business side, Construction Contracting is a complete working resource in the field or office.
Management of Construction Projects
Author: John Schaufelberger
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1003856225
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 296
Book Description
Unique among construction project management textbooks, Management of Construction Projects, third edition, takes the constructor’s perspective, carefully analyzing a complex, real-world construction case study from multiple angles to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and techniques students require to become successful project managers. Popular as an undergraduate text and as a contractor resource, the book identifies key stages of the project-management process, such as delivery methods and contracts; estimating, planning, and scheduling; preconstruction services; subcontracting and material management; documentation, communications, and payment; controls, quality, and safety; leadership and ethics; and claims, disputes, and close-out. This third edition includes a novel case study, a new chapter on preconstruction services, updated contract forms and figures, and additional student exercises, and integrates use of project management technology. Topics include building information models, sustainable construction, environmental compliance, lean construction, and off-site construction. Boxed examples, or short case studies, have been included with each chapter. These examples correspond directly to the chapters in which they are included and give the reader an applied approach to learning the concepts presented. While primarily focused on the management of commercial projects, the principles and techniques in Management of Construction Projects also apply to residential, industrial, and heavy construction. Written in straightforward language from a constructor’s perspective, this textbook prepares upcoming construction project managers with everything they need to see a successful project through from start to finish.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1003856225
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 296
Book Description
Unique among construction project management textbooks, Management of Construction Projects, third edition, takes the constructor’s perspective, carefully analyzing a complex, real-world construction case study from multiple angles to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and techniques students require to become successful project managers. Popular as an undergraduate text and as a contractor resource, the book identifies key stages of the project-management process, such as delivery methods and contracts; estimating, planning, and scheduling; preconstruction services; subcontracting and material management; documentation, communications, and payment; controls, quality, and safety; leadership and ethics; and claims, disputes, and close-out. This third edition includes a novel case study, a new chapter on preconstruction services, updated contract forms and figures, and additional student exercises, and integrates use of project management technology. Topics include building information models, sustainable construction, environmental compliance, lean construction, and off-site construction. Boxed examples, or short case studies, have been included with each chapter. These examples correspond directly to the chapters in which they are included and give the reader an applied approach to learning the concepts presented. While primarily focused on the management of commercial projects, the principles and techniques in Management of Construction Projects also apply to residential, industrial, and heavy construction. Written in straightforward language from a constructor’s perspective, this textbook prepares upcoming construction project managers with everything they need to see a successful project through from start to finish.
Construction Management
Author: Eugenio Pellicer
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118539575
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 343
Book Description
The management of construction projects is a wide ranging and challenging discipline in an increasingly international industry, facing continual challenges and demands for improvements in safety, in quality and cost control, and in the avoidance of contractual disputes. Construction Management grew out of a Leonardo da Vinci project to develop a series of Common Learning Outcomes for European Managers in Construction. Financed by the European Union, the project aimed to develop a library of basic materials for developing construction management skills for use in a pan-European context. Focused exclusively on the management of the construction phase of a building project from the contractor’s point of view, Construction Management covers the complete range of topics of which mastery is required by the construction management professional for the effective delivery of new construction projects. With the continued internationalisation of the construction industry, Construction Management will be required reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students across Europe.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118539575
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 343
Book Description
The management of construction projects is a wide ranging and challenging discipline in an increasingly international industry, facing continual challenges and demands for improvements in safety, in quality and cost control, and in the avoidance of contractual disputes. Construction Management grew out of a Leonardo da Vinci project to develop a series of Common Learning Outcomes for European Managers in Construction. Financed by the European Union, the project aimed to develop a library of basic materials for developing construction management skills for use in a pan-European context. Focused exclusively on the management of the construction phase of a building project from the contractor’s point of view, Construction Management covers the complete range of topics of which mastery is required by the construction management professional for the effective delivery of new construction projects. With the continued internationalisation of the construction industry, Construction Management will be required reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students across Europe.
International Construction Management
Author: Igor Martek
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000531279
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 302
Book Description
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.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000531279
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 302
Book Description
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.