Collaborative Working in Construction

Complications arising from poor collaboration are the source of a variety of the construction industry's biggest problems. It is now widely recognized that an effective collaboration strategy based on the implementation of information systems and careful consideration of the wider organizational issues is key to delivering construction projects successfully. Against a backdrop of rapidly developing communication techologies, and continuing efforts to improve working practices, this book provides clear explanations of how to successfully devise and implement a collaboration strategy. The concepts introduced include: - collaborative working as a holistic concept in construction - a new framework on how to plan and implement effective collaboration - change management approaches for introducing collaborative working systems, and implementing new technologies in construction projects. Examinations of emerging technologies like mobile and wireless are combined with overviews of relevant management theories, and industry case studies, to provide a comprehensive guide suitable for both practitioners and students. Underpinned by research carried out by leading academics in co-operation with practitioners using the latest technologies, this is the most up-to-date and relevant guide to this crucial subject available. This is essential reading for all practioners and serious students of management in the built environment.

Dino Bouchlaghem is Professor of Architectural Engineering at Loughborough University, and Director of the Industrial Doctorate Centre for Innovative and Collaborative Construction Engineering, as well as editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Architectural Engineering and Design Management. He received the Gold Medal award from the Institution of Civil Engineers for research he published in 2005, as well as a highly commended award from Emerald Literati Network for his research paper 'The Impact of a Design Management Training Initiative on Project Performance' in 2006.

1. Introduction 2. Collaborative Working - Key Concepts 3. Wireless and Mobile Technologies for Collaboration in Construction 4. Multi Disciplinary Collaborative Design and Construction 5. Planning and Implementation of Collaborative working in Construction 6. Change Management 7. Collaboration Environment in Practice - Case Studies 8. Change Management Framework 9. Concluding Notes