Rebuilding Construction (Routledge Revivals) - Economic Change in the British Construction Industry

First published in 1988, this book analyses the changes that took place in the economic organisation of the British construction industry throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, in particular considering its social and economic structure and examining the causes of its poor industrial record. Michael Ball describes how the major firms survived the economic slump between 1973 and 1982 - when construction workloads collapsed - by substantially restructuring their operations, relationships with clients, workforces and subcontractors. Detailed attention is paid to construction firms, the workers they employ, the influence of trade unionism and the role of other agencies in the building process. Reissued at a particularly challenging time for the British construction industry, this relevant and practical title will be of value to students and academics of economics and social change, as well as those on courses for construction professionals.

List of contents

Figures; Tables; 1. Construction: the image and the reality 2. Is the construction industry backward? 3. The different types of buildings enterprise 4. The development of class relations in the building industry 5. How construction forms organise production 6. Construction output: a thirty-year view 7. A hierarchical industry 8. Keeping up profits 9. Takeovers for growth 10. Sectoral restructuring 11. A new social balance in the construction industry? 12. Dilemmas in construction; Notes; Bibliography; Index

About the author

Michael Ball is an Australian author with a past as intriguing as his books. Through 11 years as a military intelligence analyst and his current role at Disaster Relief Australia, Michael has encountered an incredible range of people with extraordinary experiences. These encounters fuel his writing, which delves into the gritty realities of hidden worlds, the tough decisions made by the few for the good of the many, and the power of resilience and determination over intellect or skill.Through his stories, Michael explores themes of resilience and agency, always reminding readers, "It is never too dark to dream, nor too late to step foot on your own path."

Product details

• Authors: Michael Ball
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 19.10.2013
• EAN: 9780415739245
• ISBN: 978-0-415-73924-5
• No. of pages: 242
• Series: Routledge Revivals
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Business > Miscellaneous; Business & Economics / General, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Economics / General, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Strategic Planning, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Industrial Management, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Organizational Development, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Industries / Manufacturing, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Structural Adjustment, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Infrastructure, Organizational theory & behaviour, Construction industry, Management & management techniques, Economics of industrial organisation, Organizational theory and behaviour, Management and management techniques, Economics of industrial organization, Construction and heavy industry