Title
Making Sense of Construction Improvement,Used
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The book sets out deliberately to challenge the current construction improvement debate and the way in which it is conducted. It confronts the supposedly neutral nature of construction 'best practice' and demonstrates that that the advocated recipes seldom stand up to critical scrutiny. It further argues that commonly accepted components of best practice such as lean construction, partnering and collaborative working rarely live up to the claims made on their behalf. Such recipes invariably suffer from definitional vagueness, and are constantly reinterpreted to suit the needs the different audiences.Making Sense of Construction Improvement argues that construction sector improvement techniques cannot be understood in terms of their substantive content, and are best understood in terms of the rhetoric within which they are presented. The author also contends that the persuasiveness of such recipes depends upon the extent to which practitioners can adopt them for the purposes of making sense of the changes they observe happening around them. To be accepted as 'best practice' construction improvement techniques must also resonate with broader agendas of sociotechnological change.The author charts how the best practice debate has developed from the aftermath of the Second World War through to the election of David Cameron's coalition government in 2010. Attention is given to the way in which the improvement debate throughout the 1960s and 70s was shaped by the broader aspirations of the postwar social consensus and the associated desire for a centrally planned economy. Attention thereafter is given to the way the construction sector was radically reshaped by the advent of the enterprise culture. The privatisation of the sector's client base, coupled with the withdrawal of the state as a provider of mass housing, caused a significant and longlasting shift in the construction landscape. Private sector clients similarly experienced extensive downsizing while outsourcing their procurement capabilities. Such strategies were frequently justified by mobilising the rhetoric of business process reengineering (BPR). Contracting firms simultaneously faced unpredictable workloads and increasing market competition. In response, the sector at large chose to base their competitive advantage on leanness and agility. Hence the emergence of the hollowedout firm as the dominant form of organising. These structural trends combined to provide the backcloth to the industry improvement agenda throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Making Sense of Construction Improvement argues that the popularity of improvement recipes such as partnering, collaborative working and integrated teams can be understood as strategies for overcoming the loss of control associated with downsizing and outsourcing.In contrast to other textbooks, Making Sense of Construction Improvement does not offer advice on how to manage construction projects more effectively; the aim is rather to understand the forces which have shaped the construction sector improvement agenda over time.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has three hundred ninety-two pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of construction improvement techniques.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book features a paperback binding. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point eight one inches in length, zero point eight inches in width, and nine point six one inches in height. These dimensions make it portable for reading.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Making Sense of Construction Improvement'? A: The author is Stuart D. Green. He provides critical insights into the construction improvement debate.
- Q: What category does this book fall under? A: This book falls under the Design & Construction category. It addresses topics relevant to construction professionals and scholars.
- Q: What is the main theme of the book? A: The main theme revolves around challenging established construction improvement practices. It critiques the effectiveness of so-called best practices.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in construction? A: Yes, the book is suitable for beginners. It offers foundational insights into construction improvement concepts.
- Q: Can this book be used as a textbook for construction courses? A: Yes, it can be utilized as a textbook. Its critical analysis makes it a valuable resource for academic settings.
- Q: What type of readers would benefit from this book? A: Professionals and students in the construction field would benefit. It is designed for those seeking to understand the complexities of construction improvement.
- Q: How should I care for this paperback book? A: To care for this book, keep it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help maintain its condition over time.
- Q: Is there any specific way to store this book? A: Yes, store the book upright on a bookshelf. This prevents the spine from bending and keeps the pages flat.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the retailer for a return or exchange. Most retailers offer policies for such issues.
- Q: Are there any warranties for this book? A: No, books typically do not come with warranties. However, check with the retailer for their specific return policies.
- Q: Can I return this book if I don’t like it? A: Yes, you can usually return the book if unsatisfied. Be sure to check the return policy for specific conditions.
- Q: What topics does the book cover? A: The book covers various topics including lean construction, partnering, and collaborative working. It critiques their effectiveness in practice.
- Q: How does this book differ from other construction textbooks? A: This book differs by focusing on critical analysis rather than providing management advice. It seeks to understand the forces shaping the industry.