ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents financing models for construction projects and explores their implications for clients. It analyses the typical approach of inherent defects insurance and contrast this with an alternative approach as exemplified by the Danish Building Defects Fund. The book identifies two distinctive framings of construction insurance as either a protective mechanism or as a driver of change, and discusses the possible implications for clients. It also presents a methodology for measuring the construction management capabilities of a client organisation based on fourteen construction business functions and for assessing the gap between current and required capabilities. The book examines an innovative three-envelope tendering system which strikes a balance between innovation and affordability, and maintains cost-effective use of resources in projects. It explores clients' use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the challenges associated with its implementation.
