Using 12 input-output tables compiled in Taiwan between 1964 and 1999, the role of the construction sector in the development of the Taiwanese economy is examined and analysed in relationship to other economic sectors. Analytical results reveal a two-stage inverted U-shaped relationship between...

The development and performance of buildings and building components can be improved through better use of technology. However, identifying appropriate technologies can become more difficult as more options become available. Detailed descriptions of alternative technologies can be difficult to...

Floats and critical path(s) are important issues in construction management practice. In critical path method, activities not on the critical path(s) must have float. Float measures the amount of time an activity can be delayed before it becomes critical. Consecutive repetitive activities have...

The design-build (D/B) project delivery system has gained increased market share in the last few years. It is superior to traditional systems in some respects but some claim that it does not lend itself to effective quality assurance and control. D/B construction owners who are in the process of...

In contemporary management theory and practice the rise and role of stakeholders as major players in organizational dynamics are widely recognized and recorded. This pluralistic view of the identity of those who have an investment and an interest in an organization extends well beyond the...

This paper reports the outcome of an investigation into the construction costs in 11 motorway projects. The projects formed one length of road and were of identical specification; five of the projects were undertaken by a traditional design, tender, construct method, and five were undertaken by...

The concept of leadership inevitably concerns power structuring in which power is distributed unevenly between individuals. Indeed, leadership styles are closely associated with power distribution and its exercise. Power, in its diverse guises, combines inter-personal and structural elements and...

The UK house-building industry has often been criticized for failing to meet the housing needs of the country. The traditional craft-based build process is labour intensive with a long lead-time and is difficult to control for product quality. It is also not suitable for configurable designs...

Little success has been achieved in financing assistant programmes for contractors in developing countries. This paper focuses on the experience of the Bank for Housing and Construction (BHC) of Ghana. Factors accountable for underachievement of its programme include: contractor's lack of...

The wherewithal of achieving best value in private finance initiative (PFI) projects and the associated problems therein are documented. In the UK, PFI has offered a solution to the problem of securing necessary investment at a time of severe public expenditure restraint. In PFI schemes, the...