13: Preface

This book provides an overview of the building industry, the projects performed within the industry, and methods to plan and manage the delivery of a construction project. This book closely aligns with the topics and learning objectives of the AE 372 class at Penn State. The book is a resource for the class that does not carry the cost of a typical textbook, and even better, it is free. The content will continue to grow and mature. Please share any errors or suggestions for improvement. Instead of purchasing a textbook, I hope that all students will be able to use your funds to support learning experiences, for example, field trips to see construction projects or other educational experiences. And most important, please ensure that you have the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be safe when visiting and working on construction sites.

John Messner
Charles & Elinor Matts Professor
Penn State University