Throughout history groups of people have created organizations to improve the lot of the members of the group and of society at large. Factors that triggered the formation of such organizations vary. The medieval guilds were a response to the need to maintain a competitive edge and quality standards in the face of competition facilitated by increasing mobility within Europe. …
I had a conversation with a colleague recently while developing a fee proposal for a seismic project which was to use a national structural engineering seismic standard. Our discussion eventually got around to that often repeated question, “why are these provisions so constraining, rigid and detailed, leaving me no flexibility to make engineering judgments?” My colleague told me that the answer was that the writers of codes and standards are trying to force engineers to do the “right thing” in all situations, via the technical provisions. …
Most high-performing firms that are successful over the long term are those which truly embrace strategic planning. If you have been part of a strategic planning process in your firm and are still skeptical about the importance of such a process, you should revisit the goals of your firm’s last two strategic planning sessions and assess how your firm has changed as a result. You will likely be amazed! …
In preparation for a presentation on Contracts for Structural Engineers at the SEI Structures Congress last year, the presenters surveyed members of CASE to determine how they dealt with several contract issues that pose business risks to their firms. Topics included: dealing with onerous contracts, getting paid by architects even when a contract is in place, use of limitation of liability clauses, use of standardized CASE contracts, and who within a firm writes and negotiates contracts. The following are those results. …
This article is the second in a series from CASE to help structural engineering firms become more profitable by using contracts effectively, focusing on how a young project manager can write and use contracts to achieve more successful projects.
In the hands of a young project manager (or any manager), a well-written contract is a valuable resource. A well-written contract can reduce uncertainties in scope, perform double-duty as a project work plan (including manpower breakdowns if scope is itemized into different tasks), start communications with the client off on a good path, and make identification of additional services-worthy items more clear. …
Good contracts are an important part of any structural engineering firm’s practice. Having a good contract can make your projects run more efficiently and improve your firm’s profits; conversely, an inappropriate or poorly written contract could be disastrous for your firm. This article is the first in a series of articles from CASE to help structural engineers have more profitable businesses by using contracts effectively. …
What is the value of your idea? No, not what is the value of your ideas to people in society in terms of the benefits they enjoy by safely crossing the river, or riding out the storm protected in the building you designed, but what is the monetary value of your ideas to your client? Put another way, how much profit do you think should accrue to you and your firm as a result of your dedication, creativity and hard work from a business relationship with another party who will rightfully exploit your ideas to the fullest extent possible for their own benefit? …
The Author recently had a conversation with a structural engineer who has been retired for over fifteen years. During his career, he observed many changes in the practice of structural engineering and the tools available to assist in his practice. The conversation turned to the current state of structural engineering and the many challenges today’s practicing structural engineer faces. He was amazed at the various “balls that need to be kept in the air” to successfully practice engineering and compete in today’s marketplace. …
Project design and delivery systems have become more and more complex. The days when the Structural Engineer of Record (SEOR) designed all aspects of a project in a straightforward design-bid-build environment are becoming few and far between. Today, with the pressures on construction cost, design fees, and design and construction schedules, SEORs are looking to do more for less fee and in less time, while also delivering superior service. …
Many engineering companies are experiencing financial challenges that place an even greater emphasis on the bottom line than normal. Even when times are good, business is brisk, and projects seem to be coming through the door with little effort, it can become easy to lose focus on best business practices, even those that directly affect the bottom line. …