[Truncated abstract] The scaled boundary finite element method is a novel computational method developed by Wolf and Song which reduces partial differential equations to a set of ordinary linear differential equations. The method, which is semi-analytical, is suitable for solving linear elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic partial differential equations. The method has proved to be very efficient in solving various types of problems, including problems of potential flow and diffusion. The method out performs the finite element method when solving unbounded domain problems and problems involving stress singularities and discontinuities. The scaled boundary finite element method involves solution of a quadratic eigenproblem, the computational expense of which increases rapidly as the number of degrees of freedom increases. Consequently, to a greater extent than the finite element method, it is desirable to obtain solutions at a specified level of accuracy while using the minimum number of degrees of freedom necessary. In previous work, no systematic study had been performed so far into the use of elements of higher order, and no consideration made of p adaptivity. . . The primal problem is solved normally using the basic scaled boundary finite element method. The dual problem is solved by the new technique using the fundamental solution. A guaranteed upper error bound based on the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality is derived. A iv goal-oriented p-hierarchical adaptive procedure is proposed and implemented efficiently in the scaled boundary finite element method.