Understanding Australian Construction Contractors: A Guide for Emerging Professionals

This book will provide emerging construction professionals with insights and information helpful for a successful career in the Australian construction industry. This work fills a critical gap and is written by two authors with decades of experience immersed in current issues. It provides a starting point for the next generation of Australian construction contractors.

Beginning with an overview of the industry, the chapters explore winning work, project operations, financial management, people skills and selling a successful business. The authors use case studies to enrich the content and include reviews and commentaries on some of the legendary management books. In addition, readers of the book will find answers to essential industry questions:

• Why is construction one of the best industries in Australia?
• What is its most significant conflict?
• Which are the three most consistently profitable sectors?
• What are the essential ten questions to answer for standardising practices?
• Is work acquisition more art or science?
• Is it a good idea to fire a client? Why?
• How to identify and address the office - field conflict?
• What is the job cost format for unifying project stakeholder information?
• What are the best key performance indicators for a construction contracting firm?
• What alignments are needed in general hiring and personnel management processes?
• What is the process in identifying and implementing a best practice?
• How do you value the market price for a construction firm?

This book should be read by anyone entering the built environment sector in Australia. Universities, Colleges and TAFEs can use this book in various construction business and operations management courses. Supporting materials are available through a website.

Matt Stevens has a significant background in the construction industry for over four decades and utilises this experience in research, teaching and engagement at Western Sydney University, Australia. His textbooks, Managing a Construction Firm on Just 24 Hours a Day and The Construction MBA has been adopted by dozens of universities and associations worldwide. His research publications focus on Contractor Operations, Innovation, and Education. Stevens still advises construction contracting firms. In addition, he has coached student teams, recently winning Australia’s Constructathon and reaching the finals of several international competitions.

John Smolders AM FAIB is a chartered builder with over forty years of construction experience. Currently a Senior Lecturer of Practice at Western Sydney University, Australia. Active member of the Australian Institute of Building (AIB) and the Master Builders Association (MBA), serving as Past President of the AIB and past Vice President of the MBA (Newcastle). John has formally represented the construction industry via advisory panels to government and universities, focusing on emerging constructors. John was awarded an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for his significant service to the construction industry and to higher education.