The global construction industry is a fascinating subject for international contractors, researchers and government agencies involved with the export marketing of construction services. Despite the growing importance of the global construction market, relatively little is known of its characteristics. From a market research point of view, a Marketing Information System within the context of the construction exports industry has been pioneered in this book to provide information for decision-making in more than one country.In the process of examining the construction industries in 180 countries and territories, the North-South divide in the global construction industry has been consequently identified. Apart from the economic models which succinctly highlights movements in the global construction industry, a methodology for market research purposes is also presented.

R&D Investment and Impact in the Global Construction Industry brings together contributions from leading industry researchers in a diverse group of countries to investigate the role of research and development (R&D) in the construction industry. Investment in R&D is a proven factor in economic growth, and helps develop a more productive and innovative industry. This book explores how policy makers and industry leaders can better target future investment; and how industry and researchers can manage their efforts to improve productivity whilst addressing the environmental and social needs of their communities. Case studies present projects where R&D ideas funded by both the private and public sectors have been translated from research into practice or policy, and examine drivers, successes and barriers to the delivery of R&D in industry. Based on research from members of the CIB Task Group 85 (R&D Investment and Impact) and concluding with key insights for maximising the impact of R&D in the future, the book holds valuable lessons for practitioners, policy makers and researchers across the international construction industry.

Cement is one of the most basic building materials in the global construction industry. Nevertheless, although it occupies an important role in construction, its characteristics in the global sense are still relatively unknown. The findings in this book reveal, for example, that the manufacture of cement is predominantly capital intensive; that the production and distribution of cement is a highly vertically integrated trade; that the major cement producers resort to large scale price cutting when there are production surpluses; that geographical affinity can determine the flow of the global cement trade; and that the global demand for cement is erratic, and more.

This study looks at how the construction industry of developing countries can be improved, with special attention to the role and importance of a central agency in administering the industry's continuous development.The book first reviews the nature and problems facing the construction industry in developing countries and the recommendations commonly made, which in turn show the need for action of a different nature. Part 2 then focuses on the Singapore experience over a 25-year period as it attempted to develop its industry without a central agency for construction development, later set up as the CIBD of Singapore, while Part 3 considers the circumstances behind the Board's formation and assesses its work. Lessons from Singapore's experience especially relating to the setting up and work of a central agency, and factors contributing to the success of such an agency, are discussed in the final part.

This innovative Research Companion considers the history, nature and status of construction economics, and its need for development as a field in order to be recognised as a distinct discipline. It presents a state-of-the-art review of construction economics, identifying areas for further research.

The effective utilization of available resources is a pivotal factor for production levels in modern business environments. However, when resources are limited or in excess, this effects organizational success, as well as the labor market. The Handbook of Research on Unemployment and Labor Market Sustainability in the Era of Globalization is a comprehensive reference source for the latest scholarly research on the socio-economic dynamics of unemployment and the development of new policies to assist in regulating the global labor market. Highlighting innovative approaches and relevant perspectives, such as outsourcing, trade openness, and employment protection, this publication is ideally designed for policy makers, professionals, practitioners, graduate students, and academics interested in emerging trends for labor market development.

Written to provide coverage of the knowledge required to address strategic issues relating to the business of construction on a global scale. This book provides knowledge by a series of case studies of leading consultants, and contractors and suppliers of products to highlight practice by organizations in America, Japan and Europe.