Abstract
The paper addresses the need for construction managers to have specialized knowledge of construction materials, budgeting and scheduling expertise, familiarity with project management software applications and the ability to communicate with professionals and workers in other fields. The paper clearly shows how the role of the modern construction manager has assumed a new level of importance and relevance to the construction industry. The paper includes a full copy of all the sources used in this paper.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Analysis
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Construction managers must also be prepared to receive their own fair share of criticism or complaints at weekly meetings as well and minutes are usually taken to help keep track of who is responsible for what (Applebaum). In this coordinating and facilitating capacity, the construction manager is performing a significant leadership role in the construction project: "The construction manager hopes that through these meetings and their general leadership to create a positive atmosphere on a project, one that is self-propelling. This leads to good relationships between the employing contractors, the owner, the architect, and the men performing the work" (Applebaum, p. 44). Establishing a good working rapport between the numerous individuals from different trades who will be contributing to a construction project's completion is no simple matter, but it is clear that this element of the construction manager's responsibilities represents one of the more important ones.
"According to Greenspan, Mitchell and Johnson (2007), a new approach to using construction managers termed "construction manager at-risk (CMAR) involves their fulfilling the role of general contractor as well. In this regard, Greenspan and his associates report that, "The construction manager at-risk, who also acts as the general contractor, is integrally involved in the design process, assisting with design, constructability reviews, cost estimating, and scheduling" (p. 14). In this emerging capacity, construction managers must possess a thorough knowledge of construction materials and be able to identify where cost savings can be achieved through alternative uses of different materials."

Tags:education, experience, skills, materials, communication

Abstract
This paper discusses how since ancient times, the construction industry has struggled to develop new methods, materials, and equipment to keep up with the growing demand for buildings and how it has endeavored to develop ways to build the society faster and better than it did in the past. In particular, the paper looks at how society not only demands that the construction industry build it bigger, better, and faster, but how they now want it done without harm to the environment. The paper examines some of these new greener methods, materials and equipment and how in our quest to build more energy efficient, environmentally friendly buildings, we have created many new challenges.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Discussion
What is Happening in the Industry?
Innovations in Concrete Foundations
Innovations Inside the Building
Recycling of Construction Materials
New Uses for Old Materials
Why is it Happening?
How Can These New Innovations Impact a Career in the
Construction Industry?
Conclusions/Recommendations

From the Paper
"Green innovations are not only being reserved for the structural portions of the building, Contractors must be aware the newest innovations for the home, including low-flow faucets that can result in a reduction in water consumption of approximately 20% from the previous year (Weber, 2008). These new fixtures not only conserve water, but they are introducing many new lines and artistic innovations in them as well.
"Experts agree that of all of the kitchen appliances, the refrigerator uses the most energy, as it is on all the time (Baccinelli, 2008). Currently new ideas are under development to improve compressor technology to make it more efficient. They are also working on better insulation to retain the cold better. Manufacturers such as Whirlpool, Liebherr, GE and Thermadore are racing to produce the products with the right features to attract the new green consumer (Baccinelli, 2008)."

Tags:grey, water, systems, energy, recycling

Abstract
This paper discusses how the introduction of new materials in recent decades has provided urban designers and architects with the opportunity to transform the relationship that has historically existed between people and their environments through innovations in construction and the materials from which these buildings are constructed. This paper provides an overview of some of the historical issues, such as the history of plastics, ceramics, semiconductors and reviews questions about the design issues that emerge from the nature of the materials themselves. This is followed by a summary of the research and salient findings in the conclusion.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Historical Issues and Influences
Emergent Technological and Design Issues
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Citing the example of Japan finding itself in need of coal during the 1930s, Bell reports that the Japanese simply acquired more material by invading Manchuria and appropriating their resources. This author also observed early on that the materials revolution would have a profound effect on how architects and designers selected the materials needed for any given applications, and suggested that new technologies would emerge that would allow for completely customizable materials for any given purpose. This, in fact, is what has taken place in recent years. Indeed, innovations in materials science as well as manufacturing applications that have introduced new composites and the potential for increasingly tiny applications of these substances at the molecular level through nanotechnology promise even more science-fiction-into-science fact realities. "

Tags:alchemists, scientists, bioinformatics, engineering, biomaterials, innovations

Abstract
This paper states that quality in construction is the goal of every dedicated worker involved in any construction project. The paper contends that many factors pose a risk to the overall quality of construction. The paper examines two of the major problems facing the construction industry today, inferior materials and a shortage of skilled workers. The paper claims the necessity of comprehensive programs to be put into place to ensure quality construction.

From the Paper
"In the modern Western world, quality construction is generally taken for granted. Although it was once expected that each member of a town or village participate in construction. few people today are involved in the building of their own homes. Only a small percentage of the population is involved in the construction of the roads on which the majority of the population drives. It is a vast minority of people that have played any part in the creation of the structures in which they live, work, or shop. To the average person, there is little connection made mentally between the solid floors supporting his or her weight many stories above the ground, or the protective roof keeping out the elements overhead, and the actual labor which was put into these things. If the construction process is flawless, then no one will have to think about it once completed. However, if the quality of the project is not high, people will not only think about the construction, but also be rightfully upset."

Tags:building, inferior, materials, skill

Abstract
The paper determines when and what components of a given construction project should be subcontracted out in a given construction project setting. The paper explores whether the use of subcontractors is always the most effective approach and lists the most important factors currently involved in the subcontractor selection process for many construction contractors today. The paper emphasizes the advantages that can accrue to the contractor if the subcontracting process is carefully planned, applied and managed.

Outline:
Introduction
Research Findings and Discussion
Summary and Recommendations

From the Paper
"The vast majority of the operations connected with the construction of buildings and public works are carried out by various companies, an important category of which is the construction firm or contractor. The management of the general contractor function is particularly important because, following the design, the contractor is responsible for giving shape to the end product; furthermore, the construction process includes features that complicate its management, such as labor-intensivity, handling and storage of large amounts of bulky materials, difficult site conditions, and tasks of coordination of materials and subcontractors (Sebestyen, 1999)."

Tags:safety, planning, materials, design, storage

Abstract
The paper analyzes the way these two reports aimed to spur improvements in the U.K. construction industry and the resulting substantive efforts by the industry to streamline itself through increased cooperation. The paper also looks at the technique of cooperative reform known as TQM (Total Quality Management) advocated in the Latham Report, an approach that has been proven to work in the U.S. and Australia.

From the Paper
"The British government attempted to facilitate such partnering by streamlining the procurement processes in response to the Latham report. The government still placed about 1.5 billion of contracts in 1999 for building works annually, and the percentage today of construction contracts remains almost as high. (Farookhi 1999) By simply streamlining the procurement process within its own structure alone, therefore, the government was able to accomplish much in reducing overall costs of housing and increasing overall efficiency in procurement in the construction industry."

Tags:materials, manpower, control, inefficiency, consumer

Abstract
This paper examines how the Malaysian economy was doing very well with industrial growth graphs that were on the higher end of the trend and how the GDP was increasing positively, but then the sudden economic downturn caused a sudden plunge in the growth of the industries. It looks at how the construction industry, however, survived the down trend and has now started showing trends of growth and amazing future prospects, giving a lot of hope to investors and reviving consumer confidence. It shows how the construction industry is very important in the economic growth of the country due to the amount of industry linked to it.

From the Paper
"Due to the economic crisis, the industry suffered tremendously. This is because as the economy had a set back the blooming construction industry had a sudden fall and a major drop in the ever-highflying growth graph. Suddenly everything was stagnated in the construction industry and no new work was done. There were a lot of projects that were delayed due to this economic downfall. The industry had excess capacity, but not enough work for production, which caused a gap bringing the growth of the industry down. The government made several efforts to evoke the construction industry. However, the industry responded positively to the economic revival in the year 1999 as there was a GDP growth of 5.8 % and the output of the construction industry had fallen only by 5.6%."

Tags:crisis, gdp, government, materials, investors

Abstract
This paper provides a definition of biomimicry and discusses its importance to the sustainability movement in construction and its usefulness in solving construction waste problems. The author describes several areas of biomimicry application, with examples such as the Eastgate Building in Harare, Zimbabwe, which was designed with ventilation systems mimicking those of termite mounds. However, the low demand for biomimetic designs and ideas means that it is currently extremely expensive to implement them. Fortunately, the sustainability movement is becoming more popular. The paper concludes that biomimicry is a great way to learn how to co-evolve with nature and contribute to saving our planet.

Outline:
Biomimicry and Design
Biomimicry and the Construction Process
Biomimicry and Materials

From the Paper
"Biomimicry and its principles can be applied to construction in many ways. As with other innovations, biomimicry can be used in the design process and construction process to make buildings more efficient, comfortable and sustainable. The goal of biomimicry is to be able to use the available resources and materials of the area to be able to be build and function as a minimum energy consumption system. Biomimetics are especially useful as one looks to solve problems specific to the region, or look for solutions in the same area as the building being built. Nature is an expert at survival, and can adapt to all climates. "

Tags:innovative, engineer, waste, energy, ecological, photovoltaic, calcium, self-assembling, microstructure

Abstract
The paper relates that an increasing number of commercial and residential structures are using steel frame construction techniques due to their many advantages. The paper explains that because resources are by definition scarce, it is important to recognize when and where steel frame construction is an appropriate choice. The paper therefore examines the contemporary applications, properties, strengths and limitations of steel frame construction techniques.

Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Methodology
Discussion and Analysis

From the Paper
"An increasing number of commercial and residential structures are using steel frame construction techniques today. The increased popularity of this building technique has grown from its early beginnings in Chicago a century and a half ago to become the building method of choice for many urban settings today. This increased use is directly attributable to a number of key advantages that steel frame construction has been shown to have over other construction techniques. For example, according to Fanjoy (2006), "While a versatile building material, lumber can pose a number of challenges to builders and remodelers: sudden and sizeable fluctuations in price, for example, or rot and dimensional instability due to exposure to moisture, either at the building site or after installation. But there is an alternative: steel framing" (3)."

Tags:lumber, strength, durability, architecture

Abstract
The paper introduces the concept of Nanotechnology, and considers the usage of both proteins and nucleic acids as molecular components of Nanomachines. Their pros and cons (including strength, speed, comparison to macro-scale materials) are considered in detail, and a conclusion is drawn based on these observations.

From the Paper
"Our modern technology builds on an ancient tradition. Thirty thousand years ago, chipping flint was the high technology of the day. Our ancestors grasped stones containing trillions of trillions of atoms and removed chips containing billions of trillions of atoms to make their axe heads; they made fine work with skills difficult to imitate today. They also made patterns on cave walls in France with sprayed paint, using their hands as stencils. Later they made pots by baking clay, then bronze by cooking rocks. They shaped bronze by pounding it. They made iron, then steel, and shaped it by heating, pounding, and removing chips. We now cook up pure ceramics and stronger steels, but we still shape them by pounding, chipping, and so forth. We cook up pure silicon, saw it into slices, and make patterns on its surface using tiny stencils and sprays of light. We call the products "chips" and we consider them exquisitely small, at least in comparison to axheads."

Tags:acid, assembler, bioinformatics, biotechnology, folding, nanomachine, nanotechnology, nucleic, protein