The Return of Deep Soil Mixing
Deep soil mixing, a technique originally developed in the U.S. in the 1970s but virtually ignored because for cost reasons, is regaining acceptance here due in large part to mechanical...
Underground Contracts for the 21st Century
Noting that support for the guidelines for underground construction put forth by ASCE's Underground Technology Council has been eroding, the author addresses current issues...
On Target: The Arrowhead East and West Tunnels
Two new water tunnels in Southern California will feature continuous impermeable linings, extensive probing and grouting, and unique seismic sections to minimize damage in fault zones...
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
The Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction publishes articles about practical solutions to structural design problems and construction challenges of interest to practitioners. Articles...
Future Growth Planning
The single most important goal of most firms is to grow. Even if yourfirm has remained static in size, you must have some growth to maintain yourfirm's market share in order...
Market Research
In order to have an effective marketing program you should only solicit prospects who really need your services, who are genuinely interested in doing business with you, and who have the...
The Marketing Director and the Marketing Team
All employees of a firm are part of the marketing organization. The general staff indirectly performs their marketing task by doing their work well. The leaders of the organization, however,...
Seminar: A Powerful Tool for Developing New Business
During the early 1990s, it was my task, as marketing director, to develop a strategy to help several of our newly opened offices and established offices introduce their new services to...
The Psychology of Business Development
A successful marketing-oriented firm that is service-minded will have its entire staff involved in selling at different levels. This includes how phones are answered as well as how proposals...
Budgets
Marketing budgets vary greatly from company to company. They will be much larger, when you calculate labor as a percentage of total marketing costs, for smaller firms than larger ones....
Preparing for Project Management
This chapter serves as an introduction to the book and project management in general....
The Project Manager
No matter how the PMs are selected, they must report to management and act in management's best interests. In addition, they must report to the client and work in the client's...
Highlights of Project Management
One of the most important persons in an A/E organization is the PM. There may be one or many, but they are the lifeblood of the firm. How are PMs trained, or are they? What directions...
Total Quality Management (TQM)
The PM's first responsibility is quality. This means quality of the final product along with quality and management throughout the project. The PM may belong to an organization...
Marketing
For the purpose of this guide, let's assume that the PM will not be an active marketing person. However, he or she will need to be involved in a number of activities that...
Project Agreements
Project agreements and early project planning should be accomplished at the same time. However, it seems that project agreements are often developed prior to any definitive project work...
Project Planning
Good project management is based on good project planning. A project work plan, structured from a good process, is a statement of what is to be done, who is responsible for each task,...
Starting a Project
Project start-up marks the end of the planning activities and the beginning of the project. The PM must take the steps necessary to set up job numbers, job data sheets, assemble data needed...
Management
Project team is a broad term. In general, it encompasses all the people and organizations working on the project�architect, engineer, consultants, client, client's consultants,...
Project Quality
Quality means that you must listen to the client. You are not the last word, especially when it comes to the budget, the design fee, and the parameters of the project on which you are...
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