The Chartered Institute of Building - General - Sir Ian Dixon Scholarship 2005

Date: 25 Aug 2005

Andrew Anderson of Killby & Gayford Ltd and Tom Merry of Taylor Woodrow Construction have been awarded the 2005 Sir Ian Dixon Scholarship.

Founded in 1998, the Sir Ian Dixon Scholarship is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Constructors, and offers an annual scholarship of £2,000. The winning students undertake a 12-month study of a construction management topic.

Tom Merry, a 24-year-old graduate of Loughborough University, is currently employed as assistant design manager by Taylor Woodrow as part of the company's graduate programme. Supported by Taylor Woodrow, Tom will be undertaking research into the practices of sustainable construction in the UK with a focus on how developers meet the needs of clients.

"Sustainable construction is one of the most significant areas of change in the industry," said Tom. "I'm delighted to have been awarded this prestigious scholarship and am looking forward to undertaking this valuable research into an area of such importance. UK construction must take into account the needs of developers and their clients as well as the environmental impact of the built environment. Sustainable practices need to be adopted across the industry."

Andrew Anderson, an assistant contracts manager employed by Killby & Gayford is undertaking research into achieving customer satisfaction. His research aims to define what customer satisfaction is in the construction industry and how it can be achieved. Whilst also looking at prominent methods, theories and resources available to contractors to achieve customer satisfaction, and exploring the most effective way of exceeding that expectation.

"To be awarded the Sir Ian Dixon Scholarship is not only a privilege but a great opportunity to carry out research into such a critical area of the industry. I believe achieving customer satisfaction is a key factor for contractor in modern construction and I am excited about the experience I will gain from this research," commented Andrew.

Saleem Akram a CIOB director said, "I am delighted that this year the Sir Ian Dixon Scholars will be focussing on the high profile themes of sustainability and customer satisfaction. These are key areas the CIOB has embraced as it strives to raise standards within the industry. It is of fundamental importance that we promote and inspire professionals to drive research in such important areas. I eagerly await the outcomes of their research."

Following submission of a research proposal, both candidates were short listed for the scholarship earlier this summer. After presenting to a CIOB panel they were awarded the scholarship and will now begin the year long research project.

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