Process-based research to meet the international challenge

The writer describes a personal view regarding construction research and the direction he believes the industry should head in order to continue to maintain a strong competitive position internationally and in the United States. Large areas of research stand ready to be penetrated and exploited. As a first step, however, a framework for study and analysis of construction operations and processes must be developed and refined. Simulation modeling represents an initial effort in this direction. This research is critical to the ability of the industry in the United States to compete and excel as leaders in the congtruction world of the future.