The challenges that confront science and engineering today are demanding if we are to save our planet by developing a truly sustainable society throughout the world and at the same time eradicate the abject poverty suffered by a large proportion of its population. In many senses these challenges are parallel to those faced by our forefathers when, through the industrial revolution, they gave rise to the society we know today, albeit they could not have foreseen the adverse effects that would emerge as a result. To meet these challenges in a robust manner, both at home and abroad, the processes of governance, planning and development need to be more effective and efficient in order to provide solutions in a timely fashion.
The Institution of Civil Engineers has led in the industry worldwide, in the drafting and use of engineering contracts, especially since the first edition of the ICE Conditions of Contract was published in 1945. So successful were these conditions of contract that the Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils (FIDIC) in 1957 based their first Conditions of Contract on ICE's fourth edition published two years earlier. Again in 1977, they adopted ICE's fifth edition for their third edition of the FIDIC Conditions. The more recent New Engineering Contract is again at the forefront of best practice in providing a more conciliatory form of contract. ICE has also been working with Engineers Against Poverty to produce conditions that will allow better use of local contractors in emerging countries and help improve wealth creation as well as overcoming corruption.
Management and a basic knowledge of the law forms an important part of a modern engineer's training, and again ICE has incorporated these topics into its professional requirements.
Despite ICE's strong leadership role in pursuit of these important matters, it has not had a dedicated vehicle through which to publish and debate valuable material surrounding the topics. Therefore I welcome and fully endorse the introduction of this journal Management, Procurement and Law, and even better that it is to form part of the Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
The worldwide network of professionals created by our members will now have the means to transfer their knowledge and allow free flowing debate between engineers and other allied disciplines in these fundamental areas. Apart from helping to tackle the enormous global challenges I alluded to above, I am certain the introduction of this journal will do much to improve the way in which we plan and manage works programmes here in the UK. The major changes made through rethinking construction over recent years have moved the industry forward massively, but we still have a long way to go if we are to provide for the regeneration of our towns and cities, the creation of new sustainable communities, renewing and expanding our ageing infrastructure, developing new energy sources and so much more in an innovative and economic manner that is affordable for all.
I applaud ICE and all those involved in the introduction of this new journal and am sure that members will ensure its success and make full use of it in the times ahead.
