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.
Preface
Part 1 : Strategy : What The Theory Tells Us
Chapter 1 : Explaining The Drive to Go Off-Shore
Chapter 2 : Five Big Questions in Need of An Answer
Part 2 : Players : The Companies and Countries Involved
Chapter 3 : Global Construction Companies and Their Markets
Chapter 4 : Understanding The Countries Involved : Both as Project Providers and Recipients
Part 3 : Cases : What International Firms Actually Do
Chapter 5 : Case Study : Part 1 : The Ways in which Construction Firms Localize Operations
Chapter 6 : Case Study : Part 2 : Learning From The Experience of International Constructors
Index
