Managing Overseas Construction Contracting


Book Description

Increasingly, more and more clients are seeking to procure construction work on a global basis; designers from one country, contractors from another, materials and subcontractors from yet others. In such a complex multi-organisational and cross-cultural setting, the management of the construction environment and process is likely to create a formidable challenge. Managing overseas construction contracting addresses these challenges and provides practical guidance on the best approaches to take to ensure the best results. The book will be of benefit and interest to all professional practitioners in construction and finance who are currently involved in, or planning to be involved in, overseas construction. It will also be of particular interest to undergraduates and graduates with an interest in overseas construction, who are specialising in the built environment, development economics or project management. The book has been divided into five parts, with each part addressing a particular element of the international construction process: Part I analyses the range of stakeholders that a company will need to satisfy. This includes both internal stakeholders - such as employees) and external stakeholders - such as subcontractors and suppliers). Part II explores the marketing process. This section has been broken down into three themes: marketing strategy, market evaluation and marketing tactics. Part III looks at the task necessary in the successful execution of the construction project. It begins by reviewing the project plan and how the diverse resources of labour, subcontractors, plant, equipment and materials are procured, brought to site and incorporated into the works. This section also looks at project management including, how staff are motivated, how quality is maintained and how safe working is assured. Part IV takes stock of the process of international contracting by reviewing the characteristics of firms which operate in overseas settings. Part V provides two in-depth case studies which describe the project processes involved in the construction of a major irrigation scheme and a massive port development.













Multiple Contracts and Coordination in International Construction Projects


Book Description

International Arbitration Law Library, Volume Number 57 Collaboration between multiple parties from different countries is one of the main challenges of almost every international undertaking, and this is especially true in the case of large and complex construction projects, such as airport terminals, interchange subway stations, distribution centers, industrial processing and manufacturing facilities or hydropower plants. This comprehensive analysis of key legal issues arising from interdependencies between multiple contracts methodically lays out, from a Swiss law perspective, the way in which coordination of works in construction projects could or should occur. It also examines the legal consequences of coordination failure and various related aspects of dispute resolution. Topics covered include the following: interfaces and interdependencies across the system boundaries of multiple contracts coordination responsibilities derived from the principle of good faith and from a contextual interpretation of interdependence-related FIDIC Red Book provisions; delegation scenarios; liability for breach of contract and legal remedies in case of delay, disruption, defects, destruction and performance impossibility; direct claims against third parties; taking of evidence under substantively intertwined contracts; and coordination of interrelated arbitration proceedings. The detailed analysis draws on numerous specific real-life examples as well as illustrative Swiss and Unites States case law. An appendix offers very useful practice pointers. Although considering Swiss law, which is a frequent choice for the law governing international construction contracts, the analysis deals with an array of conceptual aspects of multiple contracts and coordination, thereby addressing a great number of issues beyond the limits of national law. With its practical examples, the book is sure to be welcomed by those seeking to avoid or resolve disputes to which project coordination may give rise. It will prove of particular value to practitioners negotiating international construction contracts, arbitrators, in-house counsel representing owners and contractors involved in international construction projects, members of dispute review boards and project managers.




International Construction Management


Book Description

This book tells you everything you need to know about international construction: the companies, their markets, the types of projects they build, how they compete and operate and how it affects us all. It paints a comprehensive portrait of an overlooked global business that generates a major portion of the GDP in every developed nation. As with any mature sector, countries make efforts to export their expertise, but the competition in construction is fierce, and the risks are many. Only the leanest and meanest survive. What, then, does it take to win? Most writing on construction focuses at the project-management level or even more narrowly at the level of technical performance. This book presents the big picture; it tells you what successful international construction companies do to stay in the game and thrive. The book examines international construction through three lenses. The first is theory. The body of existing knowledge on construction is here brought together, condensed and explained. The second are the actors. The companies that lead the way in global construction are showcased, and the features that make countries desirable hosts are appraised. Finally, what is it that firms actually do? This last part delves into the various strategic approaches taken by 60 construction firms in carving out and defending an overseas market niche. The insights provide guidance on how global construction companies develop competitive advantage and stay resilient in the face of a mercurial global economy. These lessons will be of interest to the student and manager alike.




International Construction


Book Description

A recent construction project in Singapore involved a Russian plant, a Japanese management team, Australian and Italian engineers, Thai steel workers and a labour force from throughout Asia ... The recent growth explosion of multi-nationals and the lowering of trade barriers is pushing the globalization of construction at a startling pace. Mark Mawhinney has brought together for the first time, advice, information and evidence on this developing arena from a wide range of sources. This book offers a clear understanding of the international construction market and an explanation of what knowledge is required to operate successfully in it. It also helps readers become familiar with some of the analytical tools available. Drawing on both contractor and consultant case studies and including a practical 'hints and signposts' section, International Construction provides a lively and informed introduction for construction professionals moving into international work.




Culture in International Construction


Book Description

Recent research has generated profound insights into international differences in business culture. This new work presents up-to-date theory and practical guidance, identifying situations in which cultural differences present challenges. A focus on 'critical incidents', demonstrated in a range of case studies will help readers to foresee such situations in their own projects and processes, and so improve strategic and operational decision-making in construction collaborations.




Enterprise Risk Management in International Construction Operations


Book Description

This book provides readers an understanding of the implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) for international construction operations. In an extended case study, it primarily focuses on Chinese construction firms (CCFs) based in Singapore. In this regard, the book explains the differences and similarities between Risk Management (RM), Project Risk Management (PRM) and ERM in the construction industry, and examines their linkages for international construction operations in a broader context. The explanation elaborates on how companies may adopt and implement RM, PRM and ERM as appropriate in their various operations, both in their home market as well as in overseas host markets. The book also reviews the whole spectrum of work relating to organizational behavior (OB) as one of the key underpinnings for companies to evaluate and implement ERM. It will benefit practitioners from the industry as well as academics interested in the implementation of ERM practices in international construction operations.




Japanese Contractors in Overseas Markets


Book Description

This book explores the differences in cultural attributes and management factors to enable managers working for Japanese contractors to reduce misunderstandings and misinterpretations when communicating with project team members from different cultural backgrounds. It focuses on Japanese contractors operating in Singapore, since the Singapore construction industry has, for many years, been one of the largest overseas construction markets for the top-5 Japanese contractors. Using Hofstede’s national cultural framework for the cultural studies in construction project management, it reveals various real-world management practices and discusses national cultural differences relating to managers working for Japanese contractors in Singapore as well as the communication weaknesses of current management practices and styles. The results presented provide useful lessons for Japanese contractors operating in Singapore, as well as other parts of the world, to bridge cultural and communication gaps.