ABSTRACT
2.1 Introduction
Construction is often discussed in terms of the relationships between time, cost and quality. This has typically been illustrated as a simple triangle (Fig. 2.1), with the three parameters balanced at the corners. Atkin (1990) places feasibility or value for money at what he calls the 'pivotal point' in the centre of the triangle (Fig. 2.2). While it may be the client's objective to have a project that perfectly balances the competing criteria of time, cost and quality, thereby maximizing quality whilst minimizing cost and time, in practice there must be compromise between the three. For example, an increase in quality may require either an increase in cost and/or time. It is important, however, to realize that such an increase in time may be an increase in design time rather an increase in construction time, or that more money invested in design time, with a consequent increase in cost (design fees) may shorten construction time and so on. The interdependencies which exist between the three criteria are complex and require careful analysis during decision-making procedures.
