CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY INSTITUTE ( CII )
The Construction Industry Institute (CII) is the principal collaborative effort by construction owners, designers, and contractors to further the industry through research. Founded in 1983, the CII is an internationally recognized forum. Its mission is to improve the total quality and cost effectiveness of one of the nation's largest industries. Approximately ninety member companies fund CII.
The CII was formed as a result of a study by The Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers from major American Corporations. That study, the Construction Industry Cost Effectiveness (CICE) Project, called for creation of a national institute that would enable the industry to improve its competitive position. Thus, the CII was formed with the purpose of identifying critical issues that impact the construction industry, researching new technologies and project management techniques, and utilizing the findings to help solve the industry's problems. Currently, the CII has completed more than 300 publications, videotapes, handbooks, and similar products. These are distributed to member companies and are also available to the public at large.
CII member companies staff approximately 20 research teams that currently are examining different issues concerning cost effectiveness in the industry. Technology systems, planning, project organization, contracts, partnering, and a host of other topics are being studied by the CII, with the goal of communicating to the industry those actions necessary to improve the competitive position of American companies. More than 1000 individuals from owner companies, contractor companies, and academic institutions are working together in construction research.
CII offers educational programs and research publications to its members and the public to further affect industry change and expand awareness of new construction methods and process technologies. The Continuing Education Program exists to expand the understanding and promote the implementation of innovative and best-practice approaches in project management.
The United States' construction industry faces major challenges and opportunities as we approach the 21st century. The CII offers an opportunity to change the industry's image to reflect a new competitiveness and responsiveness to our country's needs.
Refer: http://www.ce.utexas.edu/dept/area/construction/research_menu.htm