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From the President, November 2000
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I was speaking with an employee recently and the topic turned to construction miscommunication. As the conversation progressed, it was easy to understand that much of the poor communication that created problems on the jobsite and in the construction trailers centered around education. There was a lack of understanding about the construction document content and the roles and responsibilities of the parties of the contract. “Who’s responsible to whom, what are my responsibilities, and where can I find that information?,” were the common questions. There also was little understanding of the changes in how we have been communicating information is a thing of the past – just look at project websites, electronic shop drawings, and interactive documents as examples. In this boom market and fast moving construction economy (and the need to meet deadlines), we don’t always take time to learn or refresh our knowledge about our roles and responsibilities, let alone learn about new technological advances. At the break neck speed we are functioning at today and the increased liability and exposure we are experiencing, there is no better time to STOP … to learn about changes in the industry, changes in technology, and improved methods of communication … and your role as a construction professional. We need to keep aware, informed, and be integral parts of the new construction world we are entering. As the spouse of a “former Institute President”, I see a few things that come across Alana’s desk each day. One recent item really attracted my attention. It was a Power Point presentation that CSI’s Executive Director, Greg Balestrero recently presented to the National Systems Contractors Association titled “Emergent Trends Effecting the Construction Industry”. As I breezed through this document, it became glaring apparent to me that if you don’t take time to learn and listen about the new trends in this industry, you will be passed by at the speed of light. We can’t rely on business as usual anymore … because there is NO BUSINESS AS USUAL! In his report, he noted the trends in the construction marketplace. Of primary interest to me was the continuing changes in construction delivery and procurement processes AND the rapidly changing technology that is affecting how documents are prepared and used. Design-bid-build methods being replaced by more design-build, negotiated, and fixed price projects. Forecasters are estimating that by 2005, 50% of all construction projects will be constructed using design-build. But I am scared! Our industry is slow to adapt to changes, especially when it concerns non-traditional delivery methods. And, we need to be better learners and educators – learning to work together, educating our clients to the new technology, and focusing on the benefits of partnering and working as a team. So, who can provide those training and education opportunities? The answers lie in CSI – at the chapter and Institute level. We cannot afford to be the followers; we must be the leaders of this movement. At the chapter level, we provide education at each of our monthly meetings to help you prepare for the changes that are facing us every day. Take a look at the Minneapolis – St. Paul Chapter program line up. It will help to educate you about the new revolution in construction as we know it. Each program is designed to better prepare you for the “Brave New Construction World”. Plus, we have education classes to enable you to either learn or refresh your knowledge about the construction process, and the importance of understanding the construction documents. Understanding and comprehension of these documents can protect you and help projects run more smoothly. And, what it the Institute doing to push ahead with new technology? This coming February, CSI and twelve other sponsors and endorsing societies are partnering to produce the Emergent Building Technology Conference to be held in Las Vegas, NV. This conference is the first of its kind to bring together the players affected by leading edge and changing building technologies. They will be addressing issues including security, air quality, egress, productivity and many other topics impacting the building process. This is where the future is headed …. will you be there? This is just one more sample of what CSI at the Institute level is bringing to help our members be prepared for the construction industry of the future. Educate, educate, educate …. The more we know, the better prepared we will be for the future. Questions, comments? Please call, email or write me. I look forward to hearing from you. John “Grif” Griffith, CSI |
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