The management of construction projects continues to be problematic as the complexity of projects themselves and the environments in which they are constructed increasingly challenge project organisations to deliver effective projects within cost and time constraints. Appropriately structured organisations are essential for the delivery of effective projects, the design of which requires an in-depth knowledge of the organisation theory applied to the definition, design and construction of projects.

This book adopts an essentially systems approach to organisation analysis and design from the initial concept of the project. It enriches this approach by incorporating both other relevant organisation theory and transaction cost economics. It is concerned particularly with the integration of the contributors to the process and the way in which decisions are made.

The fourth edition extends considerably the application of transaction cost economics to project management to explain how construction project organisations are formed. It incorporates the partnering phenomenon which is also explained using transaction cost economics. Organisation culture is included as a complement to other organisation theory and in addition contributes to the explanation of partnering.

The book has been updated generally in terms of both organisation theory and advances in the project management field itself and the references have been considerably expanded.