Achieving supply chain integration within construction industry
Author/Source: Peter McDermott and Malik M A Khalfan

The main driver behind the adoption of supply chain management (SCM) philosophy into the construction industry was the successes within other industry sectors. SCM can be defined as network of different organisations, linked upstream and downstream in a chain, aiming to produce quality and value in the services and products for the end consumers through integrated processes and activities.

Construction Tender Subcontract Selection using case-based reasoning
Author/Source: Duc Thanh Luu and Willy Sher

Obtaining competitive quotations from suitably qualified subcontractors at tender time can significantly increase the chance of winning a construction project. Amidst an increasingly growing trend to subcontracting in Australia, selecting appropriate subcontractors for a construction project can be a daunting task requiring the analysis of complex and dynamic criteria such as past performance, suitable experience, track record of competitive pricing, financial stability and so on.

Relationship Contracting: The South Austrlian Experience, A Case Study
Author/Source: Jian Zuo and George Zillante

The construction industry has long been accused of poor performance. The confrontational attitude of its members and the resultant adversarial atmosphere has been identified as a major factor responsible for this poor performance. A cultural change is required to remove these barriers and to promote optimum project outcomes. Relationship contracting is promoted as a way to support the shift from the adversarial culture to the co-operative and collaborative culture within the industry and the project team.

The Architect’s Dilemma: A Self Reflection in Understanding
Prison Design and Construction in Private Prison Projects
Author/Source: Giustina G S Consoli

Australia embarked upon a number of private prison projects during the 1990’s. These projects involved the competitive bidding for prison projects by consortia, which generally consisted of a correctional operator, contractor and architect. The architect’s role in such projects was to satisfy the needs and desires of the operator, contractor and government assessors. As a result, the architect became a critical element in the successful delivery of the prison projects.

The Effects of Occupational Licensing on Skills Needs
in the Building Industry: Evidence from New Zealand
Author/Source: Yadeed B Lobo and Suzanne Wilkinson

Occupational licensing for the building industry is being introduced in New Zealand. This research assesses whether the licensing regime being put into place in New Zealand would require new skills when voluntary licensing (2007) and compulsory licensing (by 2011) are introduced. The paper develops a deeper understanding of the effects of occupational licensing on an industry, above those of increased quality and training, to determine the effects of licensing on future skills needs in the New Zealand building industry.

Formulation of Generic Simulation Models for Analyzing Construction Claims
Author/Source: Rifat N. Rustom

While there are several techniques for analyzing the impact of claims on time schedule and productivity, very few are considered adequate and comprehensive to consider risks and uncertainties. A generic approach for claims analysis using simulation is proposed.