The technical director of the Metropolitan Toronto School Boards Study of Educational Facilities (SEF) presents a description of the general theory and execution of the first SEF building system, and his views on the general principles of system building as they might affect architecture and the economy. (TC)

An international congress was devoted to a contemporary examination of the existing relation between building costs and building quality and of possible ways of influencing this relation positively. Key-note papers by members of CIB and of other international organizations discussed the following topics--(1) human requirements of buildings, (2)…

A list of schools which have been either designed or constructed using the component building systems approach has been prepared by BSIC personnel. The information was obtained from three sources--(1) manufacturers' data about applications of their products, (2) published articles, lists , and materials of systems building projects, and (3)…

During the past decade, Florida has become the fastest growing large state in the United States. This growth has resulted in a parallel increase in the demand for architectural services. The objective of this study was to employ several types of quantitative assessment of Florida's need for registered architects and then compare the need obtained…

The construction cost estimate, often expressed as an absolute cost, leads to misunderstanding between client, designers, and builders. If estimates are to be used as adequate cost indicators, their probabilistic nature must be recognized and they must be expressed not as absolute numbers but in terms of a number with some indication of the…

This study focused on the influence exerted by market forces and by the economic and institutional characteristics of the building construction industry. The results indicate that shortrun fluctuations can be attributed to changes in the labor market which systematically affect bargaining positions and thence wage policies and the…

The future of many post-secondary institutions may rest with their ability to shift from a strict engineering format to one incorporating community service programs. Retraining competent unemployed technicians and engineers from aerospace and military sectors for construction, community service, and environmental protection can be an important…

A new information unit serving labor union and management constituent representatives is described. Information files and bibliographic procedures are designed for use with in-house computer facilities. Collection covers thirteen major subject areas. Effectiveness of utilizing other library resources in the area is discussed. (Author)

To help the unemployment problems of Egypt, the authors recommend the restructuring of agriculture; orientation of investment to foreign-exchange earning export industries; the phasing out of employment guarantees in the public sector combined with educational and training reforms; and contingency employment programs, concentrated on the…

There is a need for specially trained cost estimators in the construction trades. This article describes why the need exists, the cost estimator's role, qualities an estimator must have, and ways to train a cost estimator--two- and four-year curricula and a continuing education program. (CT)

Implications of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 are described in two cases: Brennan v. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (Underhill Construction Corp.), and Anning-Johnson Co. v. United States Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. (LBH)

Describes the modular curriculum developed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research; presents 10 steps toward establishing a school-to-career program in construction. Provides a variety of information about carpentry/construction as a career including salary range, projected job growth, educational requirements, and…

Purpose -- This paper aims to present apprentices' perceptions of their opportunities for progressing to higher education. Data gained through semi-structured interviews with apprentices is placed in the context of the current policy agenda to widen participation in higher education and to increase the skills levels of those in employment. These…

Traditionally, the construction industry has been renowned for its deep fragmentation, with various stakeholders and disciplines brought together as virtual teams, in many instances for one-off projects. In addition, the industry is extremely information-intensive and document-driven. Such traits have been major contributors to the poor…

John Tyler Community College in Chester, Virginia, began a program in architecture and building construction in fall 2003 to meet the needs of the Hispanic community--a much neglected but rapidly growing segment of the regional population. After first hiring a Hispanic director (Mr. Jorge Mora), a program was developed that heavily involved the…