ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the different procurement routes people are likely to encounter in practice. Procurement in its widest sense is the process of taking an initial idea from one's client, agreeing terms and then taking the project through to completion and eventual use. Practice typically involves working for many types of client – from domestic clients commissioning a project for the first time to developers who understand the risks entailed in a construction project. Poor communication at the outset makes it harder to manage client expectations. Without clarity at this stage, the scope and amount of services required are liable to grow. Construction projects, whether small, medium or large, are characterised by uncertainty, complexity and fluidity. Significant change is a natural part of the project lifecycle. Project teams can be described as temporary, multi-party organisations. Even small projects have many stakeholders. The process of managing risks can be formalised by the preparation of a basic risk register.
