Defining the Territory: Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Construction Management

A simple model is proposed to define the territory of each of three functional areas that drive the construction industry. The functional areas are design of the physical product, design of the production processes together with the associated tools and equipment needed to carry out those processes, and management of the construction project. A fourth functional area, that of production management, is identified as worthy of consideration to be included in the family of construction professional disciplines. The goal of this paper is to provoke discussion leading to clarification and better understanding of the distinct roles that have emerged in the design and execution of construction projects. This should result in more enlightened and respectful interaction among professionals representing the functional areas. It should also lead to a better definition of opportunities for research supporting the development the body of knowledge underlying each discipline. Finally, it should lead to research into improving the interaction among the disciplines.