Profitable Partnering in Construction Procurement

This collection of papers was presented at the CIB W92 Conference "Harmony and Profit in Construction Procurement" in Chiang Mai, Thailand (Jan 1999), by leading experts in construction contract procurement from 22 countries.
What are the implications of the changing culture of the construction industry for procurement? The concepts of partnering, collaboration and mutual benefit are increasingly important and represent a positive move away from the past when disputes and their avoidance were such key issues in procurement. This book is a compilation of papers presented at the CIB W92 Symposium held in Chaing Mai, Thailand in January 1999. The volume, drawing on contributions from experts in construction contract procurement from 22 countries, addresses the issues of culture within organizations and national cultures and their impact on procurement, performance and profitability. The theme of harmony stems from the increasing interest in culture, in particular in Asian societies where harmony is seen as a key element in all phases and sectors of life. In the West, the concept of partnering has been the subject of much attention with the emphasis pointing towards harmonious and symbiotic relationships. Substantial coverage is given to private finance projects; privatized infrastructure projects; contractor selection and prequalification; decision support systems for procurement; management of design; con