Abstract.One of the most difficult problems in construction is taking objective decisions. A decision-making process is very complicated and time consuming (due to the complex nature of construction projects). Many experts with extensive knowledge of construction industry take subjective decisions related to verbal methods of decision-making. Difficulties are related mostly to the creation of a set of relevant criteria, providing answers to the decision-maker's questions. A set of proper criteria and mathematical tools (such as computer calculation algorithms with multi-criteria analysis) could significantly improve objective decision-making. The paper presents ESORD -an informatics tool allowing to establish a hierarchy (ranking) of different types of solutions on the basis of mathematical calculation. The authors present a comparison of different methods used for multi-criteria decision-making.

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Knowledge on construction project management is a key issue in today's construction industry across Europe. This applies to the whole range of project participants from inception to conclusion of construction undertakings thereby involving professionals focusing in distinct perspectives yet working for a common goal. Several countries in Europe, with special relevance to the UK, have developed substantial knowledge in this topic through academic courses, professional training and experience of practitioners. Other countries have not achieved this stage but the need to prepare professionals to work in the open European market is impelling efforts for convergence in this matter. This article reports a survey on professional training needs in four European countries presently partnering in a Leonardo da Vinci project on management of construction infrastructure projects. The survey was carried by a questionnaire administered to a set of organisations of the construction cluster of the four countries involved. Results were used for defining 6 areas of interest for CPD courses which are presently being developed in the scope of the project.

The paper focuses on developing a comprehensive and pragmatic IT strategy for low-margin construction activities, which forms part of the realignment of the general business strategy and on refocusing the operational model. The main elements of the IT strategy formation are analysis of the current IT environment in terms of software and hardware, carrying out a gap analysis, and developing individual functional digitalization strategies in construction execution based on BIM (Building Information Modeling), business administration processes, communication, business intelligence (BI) and reporting, and data security. Further, a large emphasis is given to the sustainable strategy implementation in terms of hardware and software readjustments, their integration, user trainings, and defining the way forward. Research methodology and initial, chosen results of an extended questionnaire and construction company staff interviews are presented.