This volume comprises the full length contributed papers presented at the First International Conference on Construction in Developing Countries, ICCIDC-I 2008 held on August 4-5 2008, in Karachi, Pakistan .

ICCIDC-I 2008 is jointly organized by Department of Civil Engineering, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan and Department of Construction Management, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA. This international conference is arranged as part of a USAID funded research project entitled “Developing a Strategic Model for Improvement of Construction Project Management Education, Research, and Practice in Pakistan” aimed at developing strategic model for improving the construction industry of Pakistan.

The impact of infrastructure development and construction practices is known to be significant on the economy of any country. These practices improve the construction project management of any country. Therefore, this international conference is aspired to promote construction management practices and create awareness among different industry professionals. The main aim of this conference is to bring together renowned and qualified contractors, clients, academics and other professionals from all over the world, for the presentation and exchange of their thoughts and experiences on concepts, trends and practices of present-day construction management scenarios. 

The conference is aimed at providing a platform for real life case studies contribution and assessment and evaluation of the current construction engineering, technology, management, research and education status of the industry in the view of the participants. The conference is intended to offer a stimulating environment to encourage discussion and exchange of ideas leading to endorsement of construction engineering, technology and management in developing countries.

This is a peer reviewed conference and all the papers included in the conference proceedings have been selected after an intensive review process performed by the international technical committee.

I would like to extend my appreciation to the Steering Committee, Advisory Committee, and the International Scientific Committee for the devotion of their precious time, advice and hard work to prepare for this Conference. Special thanks are due to United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC), and National Academy of Sciences (NAS), who have provided us immense support in organizing the conference. Appreciation is also due to our local sponsors including M/s ER Solutions, M/s Amreli Steels (Pvt.) Ltd., M/s Principal Builders, and National Foundation for Resource Development (NFRD). Last but not the least I would like to acknowledge and give special appreciation to our keynote speakers for their valuable contribution, our delegates for being with us and sharing their experiences, and our invitees for participating in ICCIDC-I 2008, Karachi, Pakistan.

Prof. Sarosh H. Lodi

Conference Chair