Book excerpt: Developed by and for public works professionals, the widely used Public Works Management Practices Manual updates and improves statements that describe the basic criteria and procedures necessary to perform as a full-service public works agency and provides the framework for the objective self-evaluation of an agency. Changes to the 10th edition include 10 mandatory chapters, including a new chapter on Asset Management (chapter 10) which involves inventory condition assessment and/or inspection; chapter 2 is reduced to 36 practices (removing three practices related to union contracts).