Category: Management Methods Bulletins

Helping MCAA members manage projects and their costs more effectively is the aim of two new Management Methods Bulletins just published by MCAA’s Management Methods Committee — PDF Editing Utilization for the Mechanical Contractor and Managing Retainage — A Critical Component of Effective Cash Flow.  

The Advanced Leadership Institute’s (ALI) Team 5 created the .pdf editing bulletin as their project for Course 16. Although several software products are available to edit project documents in .pdf format (a list of products is provided), this bulletin focuses on Bluebeam, which is widely used in the construction industry. Effective use of the software as a project collaboration tool can save considerable costs in shipping, printing and labor hours spent on the planning process. The bulletin’s content covers: Document Editing and Mark-ups, File Editing and Search Functions, Projects and Sessions. Each section explains its basic functions and benefits to project management and collaboration.

Another critical component of project management is retainage fees. Traditionally, retainage has been a means of ensuring a job is completed through the punch list before the full fee is paid. More recently, however, retainage is being held through the warranty period, which creates cash flow issues for the contractor. This bulletin offers some advice and strategies to help contractors manage retainage effectively and avoid cash flow disruptions.

Download your free Management Methods bulletins — PDF Editing Utilization for the Mechanical Contractor and Managing Retainage — A Critical Component of Effective Cash Flow — a benefit of MCAA membership.

Subcontractors’ contracts may include provisions that impose fines or penalties for subcontractors’ safety violations. While such provisions may not be legally enforceable under most state laws, they could lead to serious disputes. MCAA’s Management Methods Committee has just released a Management Methods Bulletin that explains how such provisions could impact a subcontractor, how best to avoid them and how the courts have addressed the issue. Enforceability of Contractual Fines/Penalties for Subcontractor Safety Violations is available to MCAA/MSCA members as a benefit. Click here for your downloadable copy.

Planning to build or renovate a fabrication shop for your business? You may want to read through MCAA’s latest management resource, Factors to Consider in Establishing, Operating and Maintaining a Fabrication Shop.

Developed by an Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI) team as a Class 15 project, this Management Methods Bulletin takes you through all the considerations that affect your decision to establish a fabrication shop, design issues, equipment needed, and operating and maintenance concerns as well.

The bulletin contains drawings and photos to help you plan your facility. This is an excellent resource that may help you avoid costly design, operating and maintenance mistakes.

This resource is free as an MCAA member benefit. Download your copy now.

Employee reviews are a management asset that can strengthen administrative relationships and improve employee productivity and satisfaction.

MCAA’s latest management resource—Employee Reviews—provides information about how to prepare for and conduct employee reviews effectively so that supervisors and employees benefit from the experience.

Helpful forms are also provided to guide you through the review process.

This latest bulletin is a product of MCAA’s Management Methods Committee, but was prepared by an Advanced Leadership Institute Course 15 project team. The bulletin received an award for the best management resource produced by an ALI team.

MCAA/MSCA members can download this valuable management asset now!