Last edited 17 Feb 2022

Operation

In its broadest sense, the word ‘operation’ refers to the use of a system or organised activities.

In relation to the construction industry, it may refer to:

Something may be described as 'operational', or 'operating' when it is functioning, or when it is functioning correctly.

Roles in construction projects: analysis and terminology, by Hughes, W. and Murdoch, J. R, published in 2001 by the University of Reading, defines operate as: ‘Carrying out work (i.e. performing an operation) on some aspect of the project, and having overall responsibility for its output.’

It suggests that ‘execute’ and ‘do the work’ are synonyms for ‘operate’.

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