Application-oriented further development and scientific foundation of business and institutional aspects of construction through:
 

  • Holistic view of the construction industry through interdisciplinary cooperation in order to solve complex challenges with new perspectives
  • Integration of institutional economic and economic sociological perspectives on construction industry issues
  • Transdisciplinary cooperation with actors outside academia to develop practical answers to social and construction industry questions
  • Examination of alternative contract models (e.g., alliance contracts) and their impact on cooperation and project success
  • Theoretical foundation for realistic planning and reliable budgeting as the basis for economic project implementation


Our research focuses on the interfaces between technology, economics, law, and sociology—wherever complex projects, different stakeholder interests, and institutional requirements converge.

Research focus

The Construction Industry and Construction Management research area will focus on the following topics in the future:


Advancing basic research inspired by practical applications

  • “Construction is a people business”: The importance of social relationships, communication, and trust for project success
  • Application and further development of approaches from new institutional economics and economic sociology in the construction industry
  • Analyzing the effects of limited time flexibility on capacity planning in construction companies


Linking basic research and application

  • Analyzing and implementing alternative contract models in real construction projects
  • Addressing current challenges in the construction industry in close cooperation with partners from industry
  • Developing practical solutions for control, organization, and cooperation in construction projects