Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book attempts to encourage clients to take a more proactive stance in project management, change current working practices in the construction industry and improve project outcomes. It explores the role of clients in construction management. The book investigates the current arrangements that exist within the global construction industry, to create a more comprehensive understanding of the problems of client knowledge, interface and integration within project teams. It presents to encourage professional practitioners to implement improvement measures through client intervention mechanisms and initiatives. The book aims to cross this divide and provide useful insight to both academics and practitioners in developing their understanding of the topic area. It draws on both academia and practice, and it seeks from both academic perspectives to prove an important insight into an area which has long been problematic for the construction industry.