The main symposium theme is “ New issues and challenges in construction in developing countries ”. From this perspective we are interested in, but not restricted to, the following themes:

•  New procurement strategies for construction projects in developing countries : Public and private partnership. Design-build. Project financing.

•  Business management : Ethics. Management functions. Construction marketing and strategic planning. Technology innovation and transfer. Continuous improvement.

•  Housing and its improvement : Quality. Quality certification. Availability. Financing. Social housing. Construction methods. Government policies.

•  People in construction : The role of women in construction. The influence of culture. Multicultural groups. Knowledge management. Training and competencies.

•  Construction in a global economy : Understanding the trends and challenges. The opportunities and winning processes. Competing with foreigners. Sustainable construction.

•  Construction economics : The economics of global construction. Total life cycle costing.

•  Project management : The challenges of construction projects. Emerging issues in project management. Information technologies in project management. Case studies.

•  Research and development : Innovative materials and design and construction processes. Total life cycle management. Research brokers. Innovation management. Lean construction.