Construction in developing countries: Need for new concepts

Abstract

Studies on the construction industries in the developing countries started in the 1960s. The aspects of the subject studied include the key components of the industries, focusing on the problems they were deemed to be facing and what should be done to develop the industries and enhance their performance. There have been arguments on whether it is appropriate to study the industries in developing countries with concepts and methods developed for industries in different contexts. This short paper contributes to this debate. It is suggested that, after nearly six decades of research, there is now an established subject of knowledge on the "construction industry in developing countries". It is argued that the context of the industry in developing countries means that more work should be done to modify the existing body of knowledge. Some possible areas where new thinking is evident are outlined.