ABSTRACT
Specialization is intrinsic to the total construction process. Large and complex projects are characterized by teams of specialists, which traditionally include planners, estimators, surveyors, engineers and construction managers. In recent times these specialists have been joined by an additional host of managers, the most prominent being responsible for health and safety, quality, and environmental impact. Today's construction projects could not operate without such specialization. Each specialist contributes to the project through implementing particular management procedures, or systems, or by following established professional working practices. Specialists guide the various stages of the total construction process and the systems which they adopt assist them to maintain the many, varied and complex arrangements that need to be made (see Chapter 11). Moreover, clients and corporate management of organizations require an assurance that organizational and project procedures are being followed and this is particularly pertinent where independent auditing mechanisms assess performance.
