This book explores the most up-to-date and common construction methods and technologies for different types of buildings, alongside the key construction materials and properties needed to carry them out. The book offers comprehensive coverage of the necessary topics for students, engineers, contractors and other professionals in the field of construction. It presents the topics in a logical, well-structured format that follows the natural sequence of a construction project. It also emphasizes in providing the most innovative information available in site investigation and planning, safety, Industrialised Building System (IBS), construction materials, and so forth. This book provides general and specific information for all types of building construction, therefore, can be a reference book for all practitioners in the industry. Relevant building codes, particularly Malaysian Codes, are frequently referenced, rounding out this need-to-know coverage that is critical to success in the industry. Keywords: Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penerbit Universiti Sains Malayia, Penerbit USM

As the construction industry continues to develop within the natural environment, the industry has to take strong measures to ensure that its activities are in harmony with the environment. The challenge for the construction sector is not just to respond to the need for adequate housing and rapid urbanisation, but to do it in a way that is socially and ecologically responsible. This book begins with the current progress of the construction industry in Malaysia before shifting to the fragile relationship between construction and environment. Knowing the rapid development in Malaysia and how construction can affect the environment, this book delves into some evidence of environmental degradation in Malaysia. In the mist of degradation, there is some light shone by the government agencies, state government and some construction players who have initiated several actions to improve present situation. Construction players must be ready to address these concerns, aware of the requirements and comply with it, while the government must be ready to implement and enforce the requirement. An effective planning, implementation and monitoring is vital if the environment is to be part of the culture of the construction industry everywhere.

The future of construction industry in a globalized, borderless, technology-driven decade is based upon a number of drivers. The book is written to provide a platform for analysis of the construction industry on some governance and economic issues deemed important and can affect the way construction industry will develop and grow in a particular country, particularly Malaysia. The reference to Malaysia may be similar to some but not all countries. The topics covered include governance, role of state and international organizations, innovations, markets and privatizations as well as sustainability. The book should be a basis for future works or research in some of the areas discussed and should provide a specific reading for students at postgraduate and undergraduate levels. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia

This book provides an insight into existing local knowledge from the perspective of science and technology and their integration. This would contribute to significant expansion of local knowledge research by highlighting the role and potential of integrating local knowledge, science and technology fields. Besides, it offers an opportunity to enhance the understanding of interrelations among these aspects that can provide reciprocal benefits to scientist and local communities. It is organised in six chapters, covering subject areas of local knowledge and natural resources as well as technological aspects in traditional built environment. Integrating Local Knowledge with Science and Technology is definitely a reference for students, researchers and professionals working in these fields.

In this new era, changes and innovations that happen in the construction industry force the industry players to increasingly seek knowledge to enhance their firm and project competitiveness. Small as well as large industry players has no exceptions from identifying their strategy for business survival and success. To accommodate those needs, this book presents the new management approaches that could be learned and applied in managing firms and projects. The book goes on to explore the strategic management and project management approaches of business and project entities in construction. Knowledge and ideas discussed in this book were contributed by scholars who are closely involved with research in the industry. Having read their ideas, improving performance would be a significant contribution of this book to the existing and future industry players in construction. Being simultaneously dependent upon each other, this book sees the need to incorporate the various approaches in managing projects and businesses in the construction industry. There will be no doubt, by understanding and practising the approaches, the competitiveness of the industry will be improved.

This book represents a collection of papers that relate to the challenges and problems posed by the ever-changing and diversified nature of today’s classroom. The papers discuss and demonstrate methodologies and learning strategies, and in the process, recommend effective practices that are practical and open to adaptation for different teaching and learning contexts. They range from suggestions on how to exploit information technology resources to individual or specific case studies. These case studies report on a variety of contextual issues and problems that are specified to particular learning contexts. This book, therefore, thus not only offers examples of tried and tested teaching strategies but also offers useful insights into specific sociocultural problems that are experienced by learners as well as teachers and interested stakeholders in particular settings and countries. The papers offer a comprehensive documentation of past as well as present problems faced by teachers, policy makers and students, and discuss ways and strategies of overcoming such problems such that the teaching and learning process is not only enhanced but made more meaningful and fulfilling to both teachers and learners. The inherently global perspective of the papers in this book makes it an enriching compendium.