Overview
Project Management in Construction adopts a systems approach to organisation analysis and design from the initial concept of the project. It is concerned particularly with the integration of the contributors to the process and the way in which decisions are made. Appropriately structured organisations are essential for the delivery of effective projects, the design of which requires an in-depth knowledge of organisation theory applied to the definition, design and construction of projects.
The Fifth Edition addresses the increasing complexity facing major construction by examining advances in the major theoretical concepts underlying project management, together with practical developments such as supply chain management.
New ideas such as chaos and complexity theory are examined in the context of construction project management, and aspects of organisation theory, such as trust and hierarchy, have been further developed. The topic of sustainability is discussed as a powerful new environmental force impacting on both the project management process and the industry and its clients.
Synopsis
The management of construction projects continues to be problematic as the complexity of projects themselves and the environments in which they are constructed increasingly challenge project organisations to deliver effective projects within cost and time constraints. Appropriately structured organisations are essential for the delivery of effective projects, the design of which requires an in-depth knowledge of the organisation theory applied to the definition, design and construction of projects.
This book adopts an essentially systems approach to organisation analysis and design from the initial concept of the project. It enriches this approach by incorporating both other relevant organisation theory and transaction cost economics. It is concerned particularly with the integration of the contributors to the process and the way in which decisions are made.
The fourth edition extends considerably the application of transaction cost economics to project management to explain how construction project organisations are formed. It incorporates the partnering phenomenon which is also explained using transaction cost economics. Organisation culture is included as a complement to other organisation theory and in addition contributes to the explanation of partnering.
The book has been updated generally in terms of both organisation theory and advances in the project management field itself and the references have been considerably expanded.
Booknews
Applies organization theory to construction projects to provide a systems approach to managing increasingly complex projects and environments in which they are carried out. Published in 1984 by Granada Publishing and in 1989 by BSP Professional Books; incorporates recent developments in the field, expands the reference considerably, adds a chapter on organization theory, and revises that on systems thinking. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)