Organization & People

The Just-in-Time Training (JITT) report examines in detail the concept and application of Just-in-Time Training. The report: Defines just-in-time training and when to use it; Identifies  the need for JITT in the construction industry; Looks at who is using JITT now using current examples; Examines current and future training needs for HVAC/sheet metal contractors; Presents …

Continue reading “The Use of Just-in-Time Training in Construction”

Strategic Thinking is a blueprint for contractors seeking to use the Futures Study to improve their position as the industry recovers and stabilizes. Strategic thinking should not be confused with strategic planning, but the two are related. Strategic thinking involves the generation and application of unique business insights and opportunities intended to create competitive advantage …

Continue reading “Strategic Thinking”

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 …

Continue reading “Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement”

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 …

Continue reading “White Paper: So You Want to Be a CEO? Read This First”

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 …

Continue reading “Leadership Selection Practices for HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors and Fabricators”

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 …

Continue reading “Continuity and Transition Planning for HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors: The Changing Face of Leadership for HVAC/Sheet Metal Contractors and Fabricators”

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 …

Continue reading “Mentoring and Coaching Practices: Developing the Next Generation”

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. …

Continue reading “Exit Strategies for HVAC/Sheet Metal Contractors: Strategies for Equity and Ownership Transfer”

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 …

Continue reading “Creating a Learning Environment: A Template for Creating and Cultivating a Learning Culture in the HVAC and Sheet Metal Industry”

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 …

Continue reading “A Comparison of Operation Cost Factors: Union Versus Nonunion HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors”