Organization & People

Continuous improvement, as used in this paper and in the industry, is the name of an approach to improvement known and used around the world for decades. It applies to processes in the office, project or anywhere within the organization. The major components of continuous improvement are often referred to as an acronym, DMAIC: Define …

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While this white paper focuses on CEO responsibilities for HVAC/sheet metal firms, it also reviewed CEO functions in other construction industry firms. In reality there are few differences in the overall responsibilities or skills of CEOs within the industry. There are more differences in companies of different sizes and organizational structures. In previous studies commissioned …

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This report outlines each step of the leadership selection process with recommendations based on best practices. By taking an intentional, focused look at the limitations of current selection processes, organizations using this report can identify ways to make more informed and effective decisions. While no hiring process will ever be 100% accurate, most organizations in …

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The leadership and supporters of the New Horizons Foundation have produced three comprehensive research reports concerning the importance of business continuity planning and execution. The three previous reports summarized in this report include: Exit Strategies for HVAC /Sheet Metal Contractors: Strategies for Equity and Ownership Transfer Mentoring and Coaching Practices: Developing the Next Generation Leadership …

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Mentoring and coaching can be used successfully to prepare the next generation of leaders and owners, and help attract new recruits. For generations, apprenticeship programs have  provided good careers and a well-trained, capable workforce for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)/sheet metal contractors and fabricators. The processes of mentoring and coaching can create an apprenticeship-type …

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This report presents the results of a study commissioned by the foundation to identify and evaluate approaches for exit strategies and equity transfer for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC ) and sheet metal contractors. The interest is driven by industry demographics and the desire and necessity of many business owners to explore these alternatives. …

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This report describes the research into creating and fostering a learning environment in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and sheet metal industry. It defines a learning culture for HVAC and sheet metal contractors, and explains how contractor organizations can create an environment that cultivates a learning culture. A competency scorecard and an example …

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The New Horizons Foundation, in conjunction with FMI Corporation, a respected construction industry consulting and research firm, sponsored a study that focused on comparing operating costs of union and nonunion contractors. The study concluded that cost differences in total costs, labor costs, fabricated ductwork, and crew mix contributed to the operating cost differences between union …

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