Page 20 - IEC Insights Jan-Feb2019

FEATURE

times and looking even further ahead with the implementation of policies and • The ability to more accurately plan,
to ensure that prefabricated assemblies processes that require and leverage schedule and assess their scope of work.
and valuable vendor services can be effective leadership. For most successful • Daily scheduling and reporting of work
utilized to reduce the cost of installation. businesses this is a step towards much accomplished, obstacles encountered
Often this may involve planning and tighter collaboration and work integration and variances from expectation.
coordination with BIM/VDC functions with owners, general contractors, other
at, or even prior to, the start of the job. trades and of course distributors and • Planning for Prefabrication in support
manufacturers. Essentially, engaging of their project.
4. Recognize and segregate work the field installation team in the upfront • Material handling and material
reasonably and effectively. The future decision making that leads to productive management.
leader recognizes the work that is to and profitable job site construction. • Working with vendors to improve
be performed and sees it in a way that Next, the future leader will take on the material management and lower
translates directly into the minimum role of training, leading by example, and installation effort and skill.
skills required to complete the tasks. ensuring that the installers work efficiently
Only by managing the distribution of with the tools and materials provided. • Translating Specifications, Codes, Site
work according to minimum required Conditions, Schedule and Design into
skill will the Construction Industry Three decades of research conducted by the actual work to be performed.
have the labor capacity needed to MCA has shown repeatedly that efficient
meet current and increasing future installation requires the reduction of By giving the Apprentice the proper
demand for new building projects. variation. Increasing the predictability training and tools from the start ensures
of what, when, and where the materials their success in any workplace under
As you can imagine, these behaviors and and tools can be found is more important any condition. A worker trained in Agile
skills, and even the necessary knowledge than just having extra, somewhere, so you Construction® will be a worker prepared to
to lead a team of construction workers don’t run out. Similarly, MCA’s research lead the way and take on whatever the job
is not inherent in electrical apprentices, has shown that individual labor rate is less can throw at him, which in turn ensures
or even experienced journeymen. This important than having workers with the the health and longevity of today’s
is knowledge and skills that must be correct skills performing the work, which changing industry. Feel free to contact me
taught, and it is rarely taught in today’s is also best achieved with the same steps or anyone at MCA for more information on
apprenticeship programs. Currently the that reduce variation and waste at the Agile tools and/or training for your team.
burden for this level of training (see Figure point of installation. Reduction of variation
3) lies on the shoulders of the individual is best achieved by simply identifying Phil Nimmo has held many positions
contractor. Each contractor must make common and standard assemblies and within MCA and is currently the VP of
the education and training available to performing as much of this work as Business Development. Phil has a B.S.
aspiring leaders, evaluate their capabilities possible in the most predictable and Mechanical Engineering from Michigan
to grasp and perform tasks and activities manageable environment achievable Technological University as well as an MBA
at this level and then provide a suitable and using the workers with the minimum Technology Management from University
training environment for the required necessary skills and proper training. of Phoenix. With MCA since 1999, he has
experience to be gained. At the root of conducted research projects for several
all this is an Agile business model that The proper training for the skilled workers, industries, has led numerous projects to
requires and reinforces effective planning the work that the future leader will help clients implement the research results
and execution of efficient principles. be responsible for, and for managing, effectively incorporating these into their
includes each of the following: businesses, and participated in publication
Developing emerging leaders that will • The ability to see the finer details of both research and case study results.
be effective in the future Construction Additionally, he has owned and operated
Industry can only be done in conjunction of their task or project. several small businesses, lead operations
for a large multi-state / multi-location
distributor focused on serving the needs of
contractors. Phil has also led operations
Developing emerging leaders that will be and training departments for certificated
effective in the future Construction Industry air carriers, managed digital controls and
mechanical equipment installations, and
can only be done in conjunction with the is accomplished in automotive advanced
product engineering, receiving both US
implementation of policies and processes that and European patents for vehicle traction
control and antilock brake systems.
require and leverage effective leadership.

18 Insights Magazine | January/February 2019 | www.ieci.org