Prof Peter McDermott
School of Science, Engineering & Environment
Current positions
Professor
Areas of Research
The overall vision and strategy for my work is to try to make a real difference in the infrastructure, construction, built environment and wider sectors. I consider my core academic discipline to be “Construction Management” – applying management theories and principles to the management of projects and businesses, as well as to the development of understanding of the structure of the infrastructure and construction sectors. Both my research and enterprise activities have been focused on the application area of “Construction Procurement” – not only as a technical system but also as a means of bringing about social, economic and environmental change. I seek to operate on the boundaries between construction research, construction policy and construction practice.
My earlier career was more focused on the domain of management of projects. Later I came to see that the behaviour and motivation of individuals and firms in the infrastructure and construction sectors (compared to counterparts in some other sectors) was driven by the context within which they operated – the structure of the supply side of the industry, its institutions (and the pervading cultural and trust factors). In turn, these drivers were influenced by the way that work is placed within the sector/s – i.e. how clients choose to procure. My interest in procurement is, therefore, an attempt to understand the competitive forces within the sector/s, and the governance, commissioning and procurement rules therein.
My career ambition is to to make a meaningful contribution across research, policy/practice) and teaching (in my chosen field of management).
Industrial Strategy
Social Value
Public procurement as driver for social, economic and environmental change
Procurement Policy
Procurement Strategy
Framework Agreements
Construction Skills
Political Economy of Construction
Infrastucture Procurement
Currently teaching Procurement at Level 5 (undergraduate) and Level 7 (masters level).
Qualifications
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Construction Management/Procurement
1987 - 1992 -
Quantity Surveying
1979 - 1983