Building Tomorrow: Innovation in Construction and Engineering / Edition 1

by André Manseau, Rob Shields

Overview

In the past decade construction and engineering have changed dramatically, with an explosion of innovative new approaches to construction and new methodologies. By bringing together economic, social and construction/engineering management perspectives, this book offers a unique and comprehensive survey of these approaches and techniques. It presents a history of studies in innovation in construction and engineering, and then presents the most recent models of innovation brokering and risk-management, based on complex project-based industries. Innovation is defined and competing theories are discussed in the light of operational issues. The book covers all aspects, including the importance of construction and engineering 'cultures' in the trades for successful project innovation. It also discusses the role of government and policy makers, the implications of rapid change for the building trades and skilled labour, and the difficulty of measuring innovation quantitatively.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780754643784
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/28/2005
Pages:	196
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

André Manseau is based at Université de Québec á l'Outaouis in Quebec, Canada. Rob Shields is based at the University of Alberta in Canada.

Table of Contents

Contents: Preface, Sherif Barakat; Introduction, André Manseau and Rob Shields; A survey of the construction innovation literature, Rob Shields; Construction - a changing industry challenging current innovation models, André Manseau; Redefining innovation, André Manseau; Measuring innovation in construction, Frances Anderson; Managing complex connective processes - innovation broking, Graham Winch; Strategic management of major complex construction projects, Roger Miller and Serghei Floricel; The government role - from market failures to developing social capital, André Manseau and Elisabeth Campagnac; Construction industry paradigm: the final frontier, Andre Dorée and Frens Pries; Skilled labour and innovation, Rob Shields; Conclusion: a roundtable on construction innovation - how to make it work?, André Manseau and Rob Shields with Contributors and Invited Experts; Index.

Editorial Reviews

’...a "tour de force" - an overview of construction, but including all key features, dimensions and references. This is the best comprehensive text for teaching construction management or building economics as well as for rethinking changes in the built environment and innovation from a broader perspective.’ Will Hughes, University of Reading, UK 'Anyone interested in the development and the renewal of the construction industry should read this book. It is a must for those who seek to understand what innovation is, why it has been so difficult in this industry, what has been successful and what the most promising approaches are. This book is the first that addresses innovation in construction from a comprehensive perspective and it provides a superb instrument for building tomorrow.' Keith Hampson, CEO, CRC for Construction Innovation, Australia

From the Publisher