Project delays and cost overruns are common in the construction industry, and now a report from McGraw Hill Construction delves into the causes, remedies and solutions. The company’s new SmartMarket Report features input from some 3,000 U.S. owners, architects and contractors, as well as commentary from an advisory panel of seven leading…(Read More)
In 1989, Dr. Stephen Covey’s profound book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, had the business world raving. Since that time, a few new generations have entered the workforce. Do relative newcomers to business know the name Stephen Covey? Are they introduced to his international best-seller in college? Yes, Malcolm Gladwell, Daniel…(Read More)
The jobs outlook for the rest of 2014 is more in line with pre-recession forecasts. That’s according to Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder, who adds that employers are casting a greater vote of confidence in permanent and seasonal hiring. “What’s also encouraging is that recruitment plans for small businesses with more than…(Read More)
It’s a mini-boom in plant construction. A 12.6 percent increase in new and expanding factories (and other non-residential construction) is sparking economic growth, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. USAToday.com reports that after years of factory closings diminished the nation’s industrial footprint, the uptick is welcome news. “An…(Read More)
Construction companies continue the struggle to fully staff projects. The skilled labor shortage is giving workers the edge in busy markets such as Houston, but quieter areas are also short-staffed. How bad is it? Camden Property Trust, a Houston-based apartment developer has recently started putting guards on job sites to keep its workers…(Read More)
Care to guess the top 2013 revenue makers in the commercial construction sector? High-profile projects helped bring in huge revenues for these companies. For example, the firm that built the Hoover Dam (Bechtel Corporation) had $30.7 billion in revenue last year. The company that constructed the new Yankee Stadium (Turner Construction) brought in…(Read More)
“About 7.1 million Americans were employed in construction-related occupations last year—and only 2.6 percent were women,” according to a recent story from the Associated Press. “That percentage has scarcely budged since the 1970s, while women have made gains since then in many other fields.” One group rising to meet the challenge…(Read More)
Safety issues on jobsites aren’t only about falls from ladders and speeding traffic in work zones. Many people in the construction industry are overweight and use tobacco products. “A recent study conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that about one in five workers in construction and mining smoke or chew…(Read More)
Success leaves clues. Women who thrive in male-dominated fields typically describe themselves as persistent, tenacious, and goal-oriented. What traits have helped the women profiled in this article succeed? Read about how they have learned to overcome challenges and the advice they offer to other women in the industry. http://www.lowesforpros.com/Construction…(Read More)
Building and development in Manhattan is busier than ever, so why are companies losing millions of dollars? Some architects are blaming the Department of Buildings, which has 500 inspectors and too many requests for their expertise. The New York Post says few applicants have the required background as a construction supervisor. Currently, inspectors have to…(Read More)
