Managing Construction Projects: An Information Processing Approach

Drawing on a wide range of research to propose new ways of thinking about managing construction projects, this book explores the high grade management skills required to manage uncertainty, and offers improved techniques for thinking about challenging problems. Throughout the book theory is supported by vignettes and each chapter carries a complementary case study.

Table of Contents:
Part I Introduction: The management of construction projects; The context of construction project management; Part II Defining the project mission: Deciding what the client wants; Managing stakeholders; Part III Mobilising the resource base: Forming the project coalition; Motivating the project coalition; The dynamics of the supply chain; Part IV Riding the project life-cycle: The project life-cycle; Defining problems and generating solutions; Managing the budget; Managing the programme; Managing conformance quality; Managing uncertainty and risk on the project; Managing project information; Part V: Leading the project coalition: Designing effective project organisations; Infusing the project mission; Conclusions: Revaluing construction project management; Bibliography

Review :
"A massive review of the art and science of the management of projects that has the great virtue of being a good read wherever it is touched. It spills the dirt on things that went wrong, elucidates the history so you can understand the industry's current stance, draws on other countries experience and explains the latest management processes. Throughout it is liberally sprinkled with anecdotes and case histories which amply illustrate the dos and don't for practitioners wishing to deliver projects on time to expected quality and price. A valuable book for students and practitioners alike." John D Findlay, Director, Stent "This is a valuable source for practitioners and students. It covers the A-Z of project management in a confident contemporary manner, and provides a powerful and much needed conceptual perspective in place of a purely prescriptive approach. The engaging presentation introduces a range of challenges to established thinking about project management, often by making comparisons between practices in the UK and those of other countries." Peter Lansley, Professor of Construction Management, University of Reading"A refreshing and unique study of information management and its impact upon international construction project management... The book is well presented and written, logical and succinct and is flexible enough to allow readers to either read from start to finish or to dip into selected chapters. This book deserves to be an established text for any construction or civil engineering under - and/or postgraduate course." Dr D. J. Edwards, Loughborough University,CNBR 25th November 2003. 'Generous use is made of anecdotes andc case histories throughout to support the theory. the book illustrates the mistakes made by others, and the emans to deliver projects on time and to cost.' Building Services Journal April 2004