Abstract
This paper describes commercial construction as "building projects exclusive of residential construction," and discusses commercial construction from both an economic point of view and from the point of view of the community. The paper discusses why commercial construction is a boon to the construction business, providing stable work even when residential construction is at a lull. The paper also discusses the complexities of managing commercial construction.

From the Paper
"Commercial construction is defined as "building projects exclusive of residential [single- or two-family home] construction". It is one of the biggest segments of the entire construction industry and is believed to have strengthened the industry in recent years due to rapid and steady growth. The commercial sector has been growing steady for some time now as is evident from market research and reports. Back in 2000, Sinderman wrote: "...the state of the commercial real estate market is strong. The demand for office, industrial and retail buildings remains high, and, as Internet-based companies continue to grow, specialized facilities have become more popular than ever." In 2005, a construction report by McGraw-Hill supported that claim: "The commercial and infrastructure construction segments are providing a lift to the overall construction industry, marking a role reversal from most of the past two or three years. According to October 2004 figures for future construction contracts calculated by McGraw-Hill Construction, Lexington, Mass., overall new construction starts increased 4 percent in October versus September (on a seasonally adjusted basis), with nonresidential and infrastructure construction gaining while the residential sector fell slightly." (Late Rebound)"

Tags:commercial, construction, residential, business, office, hotel

Abstract
This paper discusses green building construction and points out that this design saves energy as well as money. The paper explains that green building construction is vital and is a determinative of project success. The paper also explains that the individual needs to take the initiative in addressing construction design and development and associated costs as well as funding, marketing and sales. In addition, the paper tells us that green building construction holds great financial promise for the future. A graph of taxes by state is included with the paper.

Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Significance of study
Methodology
Literature Review
Findings and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The work of Andrew Meyerson (2005) entitled: "The Dollars and Cents of Green Construction" states that green construction and design can not only save energy but also can result in monetary savings in the areas of: (1) Tax breaks and rebates; (2) Lower construction costs; (3) Reduction or elimination of the need for heating and air-conditioning equipment and the associated costs of purchase, maintenance and electricity; (4) Reduction in energy and water bills by as much as fifty-percent; (5) Increase in labor productivity, retail customer sales and apartment rental prices; and (6) Protection of operating budgets from increases in energy prices. (Meyerson, 2005, p. 2) Meyerson relates that practically all states offer incentives in the form of reduction of taxes for construction that is friendly to the environment. (2005, p. 4) Additionally in green construction projects where a pre-existing structure is on the construction site, cost savings may be realized through reuse of as much of the existing structure as possible. Additionally, is it necessary to be aware of the attitudes that serve as drivers of the choice of clients to use the firm and added to this is the fact "that commercial 'green buildings' outperform their conventional counterparts across a wide variety of metrics, including energy savings, occupancy rates, sale price and rental rates, another very practical and often times overlooked data for improving the cash flow of the client is the "energy efficient commercial building tax deductions.""

Tags:green, building, construction, funding, marketing, save, money, energy

Abstract
Federal contracts for construction, while similar in many respects to other types of federal contracts, have some unique aspects that have caused the federal government to create a system of rules within the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) specific to construction contracts. The federal government has been justified in creating these rules separate from those that apply specifically to supply and service contracts. This paper focuses on some of the unique rules and regulations that apply to federal construction contracts, including those related to contract types, labor laws, specifications, payments, delays, and differing site conditions.

Abstract
Overview
Contract Types
Federal Construction Contracting Laws
Contract Performance and Specifications
Payment Financing
Delays
Differing Site Conditions
References

From the Paper
"The federal government is the largest owner of real property in the world (Bastianelli, et. al., 1998), so it stands to reason that they spend an enormous amount of money on construction and maintenance of that property. It is difficult to gauge exactly how much the federal government spends on construction annually, but it is noteworthy that the Department of Defense alone planned to award over $10 billion on construction contracts in 2002 (Bush, 2001). Because of this significant amount of construction outsourcing, and the intricacies that go along with construction contracting, the federal government has been justified in developing unique regulations and rules for construction contracts. The federal government, in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), defines construction as, "construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging, excavating, and painting) of buildings, structures, or other real property" (FAR 2.101). Determining whether or not something is considered a building or a structure is general straightforward, although there are always exceptions. However, the line defining whether or not something is real property can, at times, be somewhat unclear. The FAR does not provide a definition for real property, but in federal contracts the common legal definition is used, that real property is, "land and all things that are attached to it" (Lectric Law Library, 2003). Though many of the clauses, terms and conditions, and rules applicable to federal construction contracts are the same, or similar, to those that are used on federal contracts for supplies, there are a number of differences in the nature of contracting for construction that have caused the federal government to create separate laws that deal specifically with federal construction contracts. One of the major differences is that construction contracts are performed on Government property. Because of this, construction contractors are subject to a great deal more in the area of inspections and general surveillance on their contracts (Abernathy and Kelleher, 1976). Construction contracts typically have much more paperwork than federal supply contracts. On construction contracts, a contractor is required to file daily reports showing that they complied with all the unique construction regulations, including safety, schedules, and submittals of material samples (Arnavas, 2001, 27.4.a.). Construction contracts are subject to much greater scrutiny on performance than supply contracts, as detailed analysis and explanation of any deficiencies are reported to contractors and contractors have the right to respond. Past performance information is also kept on construction contracts for six years, where the norm on supply contracts is three years (Arnavas, 2001, 27.4.a). Other differences that will be the focus of this paper include contract types, labor laws, specifications, payments, delays, and differing site conditions."

Tags:acquisition, architect, build, cfr, code, conditions, construction, contract, contracting, contracts, delays, design, differing, engineer, far, federal, laws, llabor, negotiation, payments, property, real, regulations, site, specifications, types

Abstract
This paper gives an in-depth analysis of the concept of "gender construction", which is one of the core tenets of scholarly research into gender roles and relations in human societies. This paper explores the issue of gender construction with particular reference to its personal and social consequences. The thesis will be argued that in both historical and contemporary contexts, the primary consequence of gender construction has been the shaping of inequitable power relations between women and men in society. On both personal and social levels, this inequity can often be seen translating into women being representedas passive consumers of technologies produced by active male agents.

From the Paper
"The concept of "gender construction" is one of the core tenets of scholarly research into gender roles and relations in human societies. This essay will explore the issue of gender construction with particular reference to its personal and social consequences. The thesis will be argued that in both historical and contemporary contexts, the primary consequence of gender construction has been the shaping of inequitable power relations between women and men in society. On both personal and social levels, this inequity can often be seen translating into women being represented - and thereby defined - as passive consumers of..."

Tags:gender, construction, society

Abstract
This article looks at the role that information technology plays - or has the potential to play - in optimizing design and construction in the building of residences and structures within which private citizens and public employees will work and live. Specifically, the writer looks at how the pressures placed upon the shoulders of contractors and construction engineers have grown perceptibly in recent years - especially when the project in question is one contracted for the state - and the ways in which IT can mitigate these stresses by giving construction engineers, designers, contractors, sub-contractors and draftsmen (to name just a few) the opportunity for enhanced file-sharing, agile management, and a chance at developing a responsive iterative approach to building.

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at the role that information technology plays - or has the potential to play - in optimizing design and construction in the building of residences and structures within which private citizens and public employees will work and live. Specifically, the next several pages will look at how the pressures placed upon the shoulders of contractors and construction engineers have grown perceptibly in recent years - especially when the project in question is one contracted for the state - and the ways in which IT can mitigate these ..."

Tags:technology, information, construction

Abstract
This paper reviews and examines the effects of fiscal and monetary policy on employment levels and product prices in the residential construction industry. Additionally, the paper highlights key legislative acts that impact the industry.

From the Paper
"This paper examines and assesses the effects on employment and product prices in the residential construction industry of fiscal policy and monetary policy. The time focus of the examination and assessment is the current period. Thus fiscal policy and monetary policy in place over the past few years are relevant. Examination and Assessment: The testimony before the Congress of the Chair Board of..."

Tags:Fiscal Policy, residential, construction, Monetary Policy, Residential Construction Industry

Abstract
This paper examines external factors that can cause problems in construction projects.

From the Paper
"Construction projects are often used to describe the project management process because of the many interrelated tasks that must be accomplished in order for the project to be completed on time and within budget. Construction projects are also used to demonstrate risk management and risk aversion principles because of the many external factors that can have a detrimental effect on the project. If a task is not accomplished early in the process it can put the entire project offtrack and may cause ..."

Tags:risk management, construction industry

Abstract
This essay is about residential sprinklers in modern construction. It considers the effects of residential sprinklers on consumers, the government, and businesses and evaluates whether the overall effects has been positive or negative.

From the Paper
"Using sprinklers to irrigate residential landscaping has become so commonplace that few people give the matter much consideration Homeowners consider sprinklers a boon since it eliminates watering ..."

Tags:construction, sprinklers, residential

Abstract
This paper describes and analyzes the narrative construction of the self as a sociological theory.

Tags:narrative, construction, self

Abstract
This paper relates that, in addition to other media sources, Alex Kotlowitz' book "There Are No Children Here", highlighting the poor housing conditions for Chicago's low-income residents in the late 1980s, was a catalyst for a movement to fix public housing. The paper points out the factors, which were combined with mismanagement, that caused the evolution of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) from a model of good public housing policy to the worst in the country. The paper also stresses the problems of crime and violence in these areas. In conclusion, the paper cites articles commending the CHA for its redevelopment of this housing.

From the Paper
"Over time the media has gradually become more and more interested in the goings-on of events in the CHA's public housing projects. The earliest journalists were over ten years ago and ended up producing books or other major writings on the subject. Kotlowitz and Popkin both ended up writing books. Journalist Susan Kellam wrote a report for "Congressional Quarterly" in 1993 . After this, many other major media organizations started to pay closer attention, especially since the CHA was starting its efforts to improve things."

Tags:changes construction sweeping, personal responsibility, model