Perspectives on LEAN, VUCA, Mental Health and Safety
“These Times are a-Changin'” was a song written by Bob Dylan in 1963 as an anthem for change during a time of backdrop of social, political, and economic unrest. Certainly, these are changing times in the construction industry. Increased demands on company leaders drives the need for change and new approaches to business. In this issue of the GroundBreak Corner, we highlight content that addresses LEAN principles for construction; address how VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) is impacting business; and discuss mental health and safety in construction.
Moving from CPM to Takt
Construction projects are inherently complex, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure success. The most common scheduling method in construction is known as the Critical Path Method (CPM) and it’s broken. This scheduling method has proved itself unsuccessful on vertical construction projects time and time again. CPM was originally created for Dupont Chemical while attempting to find ways to reduce the costs associated with plant shutdowns and restarts that were being caused by inefficient scheduling. This practice was adopted by construction in 1966 and has not been improved upon since it was developed in the 1950s! With the complexities of today’s world, it’s absurd to think that the construction industry’s scheduling systems have not improved much over the past 70 years! Adam Hoots discusses the advantages of the TACT scheduling system for construction in The CPM System is Broken. Its Takt Time!
Embracing Change in a VUCA World
The acronym VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) is a concept born in the military domain that has found broad relevance in today’s business world. In the construction industry, VUCA describes the changing landscapes of technology, market conditions, regulation, and stakeholder expectations. In Embracing a Rapidly Changing Industry, Brian Gallagher provides insights into VUCA and ways construction leaders can embrace change. In addition, the VUCA article provides a backdrop for a panel discussion at ABC’s Summer Construction Convention in Charleston, SC.
Promoting Mental Health and Wellness
In construction, wellbeing and mental health are significant opportunities for leaders to address the changing needs of their employees. In Mental Health & Wellness: Key Components of Safety for the Construction Industry, Kimberly Kayler provides insights on promoting wellness in your organization.
New Safety Initiatives
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced new enforcement initiatives for 2023 which will have a direct impact on the construction industry. These new initiatives are primarily directed at preventing trenching and excavation fatalities, and heat-related injuries and illnesses. In What You Need to Know About OSHA’s New Initiatives for the Construction Industry, Tom Davis provides perspectives on changes in emphasis for safety programs.
While the times are a-Chaning, we hope ABC Carolinas and GroundBreak content can help provide insights and perspectives for your organization to thrive during times of change.
