New Horizons Foundation - A Sheet Metal Industry Initiative

Organizational adoption of New technologies:this research project addresses the question of why some companies are able to successfully adopt and implement New technologies and methods, while other companies struggle. Through A national survey and interviews of smacna contractors, the top 8 most effective technology implementation management practices for organizational adoption of New technologies were identified. Publication date: july 2022researchers: university of Kansas and unc - charlotte

Effective project close-out for hvac/sheet Metal contractors: successful practices guide:this project investigates different project close-out processes currently utilized by various hvac and Sheet Metal companies in the Industry. Through A questionnaire and interviews companies' internal operating procedures were documented and examined to identify proactive elements and areas of delay in the company's internal close-out processes, including:a. Internal close-out processesb. Internal project controlsc. Key communication protocols(continued on schedule o)d. document requirementse. Use of technology completion date: december 2022publication date: january 2023researchers: clemson university

Human dimensions assessment of top-performing personnel - pilot study:this research project piloted A nationwide benchmark of human dimensions for project managers, field leaders, estimators, and detailers to identify what is "best-in-class" for these job functions. The study aims to help smacna members with hiring New personnel, internal promotion decisions and talent development. Publication date: september 2022researchers: Arizona state university

The contractor's practical guide on tool management systems:given the criticality of tools to the everyday tasks of any Sheet Metal and hvac contracting firm, as well as the significant direct and indirect costs of inadequate and lost tools and their replacement, there is A need for an up-to-date and practical guide that contractors can effectively adopt to inform their tool management.project awarded january 2022. Expected publication date: march 2023researchers: Arizona state university

Managing the risks of today's projects:over the past two decades owners of construction projects have had A focus on compressing schedules for their projects. At the same time, owners are pushing for earlier cost certainty, meaning contractors are often expected to commit to A contract cost as early as during schematic design. Finally, as A result of these compressions of schedule and cost, design budgets and schedules have concurrently been cut, leading to the delegation of design to trade contractors. This leaves the trade contractor in the unenviable position of owning A great deal more risk than at any time in the past. This study will examine these project risks and offer solutions for managing them.this project was approved in the 4th quarter 2020 but research did not begin until the 3rd quarter 2021 because of the impact of covid on data collection.expected publication date: may 2023researcher: fmi corporation

The 2023 hvac and Sheet Metal Industry futures study update:this study aims to identify the potential future state of the hvac and Sheet Metal Industry and communicate the research to the membership. This means: -identifying previous, current, and ongoing trends that will allow hvac and Sheet Metal sector stakeholders to position their companies to manage and capitalize on risks and opportunities;-describing the envisioned future of the hvac and Sheet Metal industry;-enabling the information to be operationalized so companies can create A long-term strategy to manage and succeed in the future business climate.project awarded august 2022. Expected publication date: june 2023researchers: maxim consulting