Defining an Industry: What is the Size and Scope of the Australian Building and Construction Industry
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Abstract
The analysis and understanding of the conduct and performance of an industry begins
with a study of its structure. However, before analysing an industry's structure it is
necessary to define the industry and identify its size, scope and scale to establish its
true economic contribution. This paper discusses the size and scope of the Australian
building and construction industry, firstly, from a traditional industry economics approach
by firm size and business characteristics using data from three construction industry
surveys done over 15 years by the ABS. Secondly, data from an industry 'cluster'
perspective is shown. The objective of the paper is to compare the differences found in
industry size and scope in the structure-conduct-performance approach and the
alternative industry cluster approach. Each model reveals different characteristics of the
industry. The conclusion finds that the building and construction industry is a case
where the traditional structure-conduct-performance model cannot be easily applied.
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