ABSTRACT
Realism must prevail; construction is predominantly a local business using mainly local labour and complying with local requirements. The challenge for all organisations is facing, managing and implementing change, whilst at the same time ensuring profitability and maintaining customer satisfaction. Local issues will always be important, but construction sectors around the world are not immune from the global issues that impact upon the economy, demand for their services, and quality of life. Underground road construction will be inevitable as cities become more crowded. According to one report, it is anticipated that 10% of the trunk road network in the UK will be tunnelled by 2050. Global environmental problems are high on political agendas with increasing environmental legislation at a national, supranational and international level. Ozone depletion, pollution, depletion of resources, and global warming are all common topics of concern.
