The construction industry is facing an increasingly competitive environment all over the world. Powerful clients are the driving force in changing the existing procedures of the construction industry, as they themselves are confronted by the challenges of globalisation. Whether they are contractors or consultants, there is an urgent need for organisations of the construction industry to react to the circumstances and consequences of a changing environment by reshaping their business strategies and organisational structures.

Christoph Winter investigates the circumstances, which determine a contractor´s competitive position in different construction markets for different types of clients, as well as the influence of the consultants upon the construction development process. Moreover, he analyses the crucial role that a contractor´s supply chain must fulfil in order to be as successful as the leader of the procurement process. For the benefit of all parties of the construction process - clients, consultants and contractors - the author presents useful tools for contractors to help them to identify the appropriate procurement path from a client´s perspective and to make the right choices of business relationships with their numerous suppliers.