More than that of any other construction professional, the role of the quantity surveyor is a rapidly changing one. Fewer quantity surveyors now work in the public sector and nationalised industries, and more are employed in building and civil engineering companies.

New forms of procurement and construction arrangements, the impact of information technology, and growing client demand for the management of construction projects throughout their life cycle have meant that quantity surveyors have had to acquire new skills. Indeed, many working in the field no longer call themselves 'quantity surveyors' because of their changing role.

This Eleventh Edition has been substantially revised and expanded to include new sections on:

- the role of the quantity surveyor
- whole life costing
- value management
- risk management
- insolvency
- facilities management

This established text, first published over 50 years ago, remains essential reading for all quantity surveying students and for those recently qualified.