Masonry Magazine August 1997 Page. 29
Management training and development for superintendents and foremen continues to be a major focus for progressive contractors. Heavy emphasis will be placed on developing superintendents into leaders, as opposed to relying solely on their technical competence.
Technology will continue to permeate the field with the use of the internet, intranets, and hand-held technologies. Access to documents and information will be readily available, with less need for mail, courier, or overnight delivery services. Field managers will continue to become more competent and comfortable using new technologies.
The quality of field management will become a strong differentiator between contractors.
The companies with the best superintendents and foremen will be the long-term winners in the industry.
Contractors are demanding quantifiable returns from their investments in quality programs, such as direct cost savings, increased productivity for equipment and labor, and increased bottom-line profits.
There is an increased awareness by many contractors of the need to define specific project control activities, and ensure they are followed. The days of "winging" projects and depending on "good people" to pull them through are over.
Many contractors are sharing productivity and cost and profit information with their field forces. They feel the sharing of information breaks down the "office-field" mentality, and shows a willingness to trust their field employees.
Partnering
Partnering continues to be utilized as a viable methodology to improve the design and construction process. More public and private entities are implementing the process, which has resulted in both successes and failures. The industry does agree that while the process has never hurt a project situation, it has in most cases improved project communication.
Those in the high-tech industry and other private entities who have experience in developing long-term alliances with their suppliers, are now utilizing the project-specific partnering model to further improve relationships and results.
Truly innovative and progressive project teams are utilizing the process less in conference room settings and more on the job site, pushing the concept to the subcontractor and craft levels, creating an atmosphere of total team involvement. Collaborative accountability to the project charter goals and metrics is continually reinforced throughout the duration of the project in these settings. Other teams who have focused only on the kickoff workshops as the primary use of the partnering process on their projects are struggling to keep the concept fresh and interesting.
The manufacturing industry has found applications for the partnering process on major production contracts. The construction industry should be applauded for taking the lead and pioneering a concept that is now being transferred to other industry sectors. Well done!
Bill Abberger, Gretchen McComb, and Bill Spragins are part of FMI's Quality & Productivity Improvement Group. The QPI Group works with industry executives and project teams, to emphasize employee involvement and collaborations as a cost effective means for achieving quality, field productivity, and safety. FMI, management consultants to the construction industry, has offices located in Raleigh, North Carolina; Denver, Colorado; and Tampa, Florida. For more information please contact Gretchen McComb or Bill Spragins in Denver at (303) 377-4740 or Bill Abberger in Tampa at (813) 636-1364.
MIA Hands-On Workshop VII a huge success
On Saturday, May 3, 1997, Masonry Institute of America (MIA) held another Hands-On Workshop at the plant of Castaic Brick in Southern California. Participation consisted of 62 Design Architects, Building Officials, Practicing Engineers and Engineering Students. MIA, with the cooperation of various industry sources, conducts the program twice a year, in the spring and fall. The program geographically services over 15,000 square miles in Southern California and chooses a different location each time in order to effectively access those interested in attending the program. Normally, the participant is given the opportunity to lay concrete block and clay brick. This workshop was unique, since it was an all-brick demonstration. The guests were given the choice to build a small sample wall, or try their hand at brick paving. Most chose the wall configuration. A detail sheet was provided to the attendees and some chose to modify the drawing by inserting a soldier course, or configuring a stack bond pattern. One creative individual inserted a row of half brick oriented 45 degrees from the wall for a characteristic effect. There was also a demonstration of thin brick adhered application. The host, Castaic Brick, generously provided all materials, and refreshments, including lunch. After lunch, Castaic Brick provided a complete tour of the brick plant for those interested. Many chose to join the tour and were impressed with the brick manufacturing process. The program is structured to get the designer interested in masonry and has been remarkably successful. Earlier this year, a 4th year Architect Class of 70 students attended a special Masonry Hands-On workshop, and one Architectural Office is coordinating a date and site for another special Masonry Hands-On workshop, which MIA will coordinate later this year.
MASONRY-JULY/AUGUST, 1997 29