It’s often said that the construction professional has to be a “jack of all trades, and master of all.” This text covers a wide range of subjects, reflecting the breadth of knowledge needed to understand the dynamics of this large and complex industry. This edition includes updated chapters on planning and scheduling, a new chapter addressing linear scheduling methods, material regarding the historical background of construction as a profession, and includes an Instructor Resource of solutions to the end-of-chapter review exercises. This text has become a standard course text at many universities. The first four editions have enjoyed wide success as an introductory treatment of the subjects which are critical to success in the construction industry. This fifth edition preserves the features that have been most appreciated by its users throughout the years, and adds suggestions provided by instructors and students through formal surveys and informal feedback to the authors.