Danny Myers
The future of construction economics as an academic discipline
Myers, Danny
Authors
Abstract
The contribution made by economic theory when studying construction-related subjects has a muddled history. This theme was carefully reviewed in Ofori (1994) where he bluntly concluded that: 'Construction economics cannot be regarded as a bona-fide subject' (p. 304). This short note takes a retrospective look at George Ofori's paper and suggests that during the subsequent period little has changed. This is despite the publication of government reports that stressed the importance of creating a culture of economic efficiency within construction and the need for the industry to become sustainable. This paper is informed by a brief survey of what is currently taught at British universities under the title of construction economics. Two points for debate emerge. The first is the worrying observation about the present state of play, as it seems that construction economics continues to lack any coherent conceptual structure. The second is the more promising suggestion that in the foreseeable future the sustainability agenda could provide the impetus necessary for construction economists to agree a common purpose and conceptual approach.
Citation
Myers, D. (2003). The future of construction economics as an academic discipline. Construction Management and Economics, 21(2), 103-106. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144619032000056117
| Journal Article Type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | Feb 1, 2003 |
| Journal | Construction Management and Economics |
| Print ISSN | 0144-6193 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (Routledge) |
| Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 103-106 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1080/0144619032000056117 |
| Keywords | construction economics, academics and construction |
| Public URL | https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1074129 |
| Publisher URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0144619032000056117 |