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Using the seven input-output tables compiled in Japan to date, this paper extends earlier analysis by adding the analysis of 1985 and 1990 tables. This paper shows that the Japanese construction sector's share in GNP has declined since 1980; the GNP share of manufacturing is continuing to decline and that of services is continuing to grow; the economy-wise effect of construction activity is continuing to decline; and the construction inputs from manufacturing are continuing to decline whereas the sector's inputs from services are continuing to grow. All these are signs of a growing `maturity' of the Japanese economy, which in this regard appears to follow the path of other advanced industrial countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper critically examines the changing relations between construction and economic development in selected less developed countries (LDCs) in the light of new development dynamics. Historically, the relationship was seen in Keynesian terms. By the 1980s, attention turned towards structuralist and political economy explanations amid a neoclassical revival towards structural adjustments and 'market friendly' reforms. Current explanations tend to focus on property rights and building institutional capabilities. The strengths and weaknesses of current explanations provide future directions for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using OECD input/output tables at current and constant prices, this paper analyses the performance of the construction sector of eight highly industrialized countries -- Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Japan and the USA -- in the 1970s and 1980s. First, the main characteristics of the data set with country and time coverage are briefly introduced. Then, a set of simple indicators is used for comparative purposes, namely to assess the construction sector's diminishing role in terms of share in gross output, value added and GNP. Analysis focuses also on technologies, with emphasis on the relative role of manufacturing and services inputs. Lastly, standard measures of linkages are used to determine the main sources of induced output that are created by the push and pull effects of the construction sector on the rest of the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For several decades, transfer of technologies from industrialized countries has been viewed as a key to addressing the low level of technological development of developing countries. This paper considers technology transfer as a mechanism for improving construction industries in developing countries. It discusses the nature of technology and its development and the relevance of its transfer. It outlines differences between construction and other sectors and their implications for the development and transfer of construction technology. Results and problems of technology transfer are discussed and the experience of Singapore outlined. Possible action to improve upon the situation is suggested. Despite much research and application, technology transfer remains imprecise and shrouded in controversy, emotion and confusion. However, technology transfer offers scope for improving construction industries in developing countries. It should be considered from a broader, more integrated perspective and its complexities recognized. Technology transfer to a country is only the beginning of a long process ending in widespread use and improvement of the technology, hence contributing to the nation's technological development. Governments have a key role to play; international cooperation is essential. However, much depends on the motivation and commitment of technology suppliers and recipients and the latter's ability to exploit opportunities offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planning for economic development is one of the major preoccupations of governments as well as international agencies such as the United Nations and the World Bank. Construction and marketing are individually known to have an influence on the achievement of economic goals. Unfortunately, the combined effect of construction and marketing has never been explored explicitly before. Although the pursuit of economic development has been their common objective, both disciplines have always been examined in isolation. This paper does not, however, pretend that construction and marketing are the only two factors which influence economic growth. The purpose is to help bridge the gap between construction and marketing in world economic development. For this purpose, other factors which may have an equally important influence on economic growth would, of necessity, need to be isolated. The relationship construction and marketing have with world economic development is supported through a literature review. In adopting construction and marketing as the two primary thrusts for securing economic growth, four global perspectives have been identified: scenario A, a balanced view; scenario B, weighted towards construction; scenario C, weighted towards marketing; scenario D, a deficiency model. The balanced view in scenario A mirrors the characteristic feature typical of most developed countries where mature marketing practices and construction infrastructures can be found. Scenario B, where construction attracts more attention than marketing, models the emphasis given by the governments in most developing countries. Scenario C models an economy which lacks the construction facilities necessary for the effective conduct of marketing activities. Countries which have poor construction and marketing facilities can be categorized under the deficiency model in scenario D. Adequate construction works and marketing expertise are generally found to be lacking in these countries whi... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the successful mass housing programme implemented in Singapore since 1960. With emphasis on the central housing agency an attempt is made to outline the main features of the organizational framework and the relevant policies and procedures. The factors which contributed to the success of the housing programme are identified. These are compared with those commonly found in the developing countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa. It is concluded that the main aspects of Singapore's programme worth emulating include a firm government commitment, the formation of a strong and effective executing agency, appropriate policies firmly enforced, identification of target groups, tailoring of designs to meet specific needs and, especially, resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whereas most experts recognize the substantial differences in the construction sector between developed and developing countries, very little is known abouthowandto what extentconstruction project governance actually differs between the two contexts. In order to shed light on these differences, a suitable definition of project governance must be adopted and identical variables must be assessed in developed and developing contexts. Three characteristics of temporary multi-organizations that conduct construction projects (used here as categories of analysis) help identify these differences: formal structuring, informal structuring, and the role and participation of stakeholders. Based on three case studies, a survey, and semi-directed interviews, significant differences are found in how power and authority are exercised (and leadership styles applied), in the use of informality and in the roles assumed by stakeholders. Although the analysis of such differences is often considered a diagnosis of problems to be ‘fixed’ in projects in developing countries, we believe that these differences should be read as project governance mechanisms of adaptation to different environmental conditions, and therefore key elements that need to be fully understood by professionals working in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexities of the relationship between a country's level of construction activity and its stage of economic development are considerable. Studies over the last three decades, based on macroeconomic analysis, have attempted to model the relationship but have usually been hampered by problems of data quality and availability. Nevertheless, paradigms have emerged (usually based on Keynesian philosophy), which are concerned with the dynamics of construction activity as an agent in the promotion of economic growth in economies at different stages of development. One such is the ‘Bon curve’. An examination of the data issues of attempting to assess the validity of the proposition is made and then the role of the construction sector in highly developed economies is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural cataclysms (earthquakes, hurricanes and so forth) become natural disasters when they coincide with vulnerabilities; unfortunately, informal settlements in developing countries are only too often highly vulnerable – a reality amply and unhappily confirmed by available statistics. In this context, reconstruction projects are sandwiched between the short‐term necessity to act promptly and the long‐term requirements of sustainable community development – a situation that is currently reflected in alternative and conflicting paradigms at the policy level. Adopting a case‐study approach, we explore the use of temporary housing within two post‐disaster environments, where the impact of different organizational designs leads to fundamentally different solutions to the short‐term housing problem. Our research adopts a dynamic systems approach, associating strategic organizational team design with the development of tactical technical proposals. Two case studies from Turkey and Colombia show that a coherent approach to the sequential stages of providing immediate shelter, temporary housing and permanent reconstruction is not always obtained. The research results emphasize that the performance of reconstruction projects is directly linked to the design and management of the project team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of a competent architect is vital to the success of a development. Like in many developed countries, developers in Hong Kong select architects based on a set of criteria. Price is not the only consideration in the process, and decisions rely heavily on subjective judgement. By conducting a questionnaire survey, the research reported here identified the common criteria for selection and their relative importance for an objective selection. This involved the use of an evaluation method called the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Survey data from projects with similar characteristics were used to compute the criteria weights. Multi-criteria models for seven out of 27 categories of project were built with reference to the computed weights derived from the survey. In addition, a computer program, called the Architectural Consultant Selection System (ACSS), was designed to illustrate a logical approach for the evaluation of prospective consultant architects based on the models constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]