If All Else Fails – Communicate Effectively!
Many projects often bring to mind the famous line from Cool Hand Luke – “What we've got here is a failure to communicate.”
One of the definitions of communication from Merriam Webster Dictionary is “a technique for expressing ideas effectively.” On today’s projects, everyone on the project seems to be communicating, whether that be talking, emailing and/or sending correspondence, but the reality is that no effective communication is occurring. Many times, project participants are overwhelmed with the amount of correspondence and get extremely defensive of their positions, especially if they miss something. We may not have a failure to communicate but it appears many times that we have a failure to communicate EFFECTIVELY.
So how do we address this failure to communicate effectively??? I still remember one of my first classes on public speaking where the professor laid out a simple yet effective outline for a speech. He said in the Opening you tell them what you plan on speaking about; then in the Body you tell them what you are speaking about; and, finally, in the Conclusion you tell them what you told them! This has been shown to be an extremely effective means of communicating in speech to inform someone of a topic.
CCA adds senior HVAC, Energy, and Mechanical Engineering expert
CCA is pleased to welcome Paul Dudley Smith, PE, CEM
Dudley joins us as a senior Mechanical Engineer with over thirty years of experience in the design, construction and testing of HVAC, piping, and other mechanical systems. Mr. Smith has performed a myriad of mechanical system analysis projects, studies, reports, designs and specifications. Dudley has provided project management, construction oversight services, and client support for various projects. Mr. Smith is a Certified Energy Manager providing direction and support for energy decisions and conducts energy studies and audits.
Climate Disasters Cost the U.S. $46 Billion
2016 was recorded as the second-warmest year to date according to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information report. According to NOAA, "Some extreme weather and climate events have increased in recent decades." A staggering $46 billion has been spent in damages due to climate-based disasters in 48 U.S. states. Unfortunately, these types of disasters not only cause monetary damages but have taken the lives of at least 138 people.
The yearly report included seven types of climate related disasters, which included droughts, hurricanes, and winter storms throughout the country. The news is opening up new discussions on how best to resiliently build in coastal areas that could be affected and where would the funds come from to pay for such mitigation. Once catastrophes occur, insurance companies and governmental agencies, such as FEMA and states, pay for losses. In addition, individuals absorb losses.
California passes new laws following Berkeley tragedy
Berkeley took center stage in June 2015 when six students died tragically and another seven were injured after a balcony on which they were standing on collapsed.
As a result, the California Senate has passed a new law for the construction industry traced back to Berkeley balcony collapse. The bill was passed after a unanimous vote or 37-0 and is intended to close those accountability gaps by bringing stricter oversight to the construction industry.
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Take the next step in your career at CCA.
Learn more about building your career at CCA
Looking for a new opportunity? CCA is a leading forensic engineering, architectural, construction management and business consulting firm with big talent and an unflagging commitment to excellence.
CCA is currently hiring for the following positions:
- Experienced Structural Engineers
- Experienced Mechanical HVAC and MEP Engineers
- Entry-level Office Administrator
Learn more about our current employment opportunities here, and pass the link along if you know someone who might be a good fit. You can even submit your resume through our site.
New Orleans Pushes to Finish Last Big Storm-Surge Project
Since Hurricane Katrina first hit New Orleans in 2005, work has been ongoing to protect the city from future flooding.
The Engineering News Record reported that the final step in building the permanent system will be completed in April 2017. As quoted from the article:
The $654-million Permanent Canal Closures and Pumps (PCCP) project now is the last major piece of the $14.6-billion storm risk-reduction system in low-lying New Orleans. The federally funded effort will give the city, which is from 2 ft to 20 ft below sea level, protection from a major storm that has a 1% annual chance of occurring, a so-called 100-year storm.
“The pre-Katrina system was a system in name only,” says Dan Bradley, Corps senior project manager for the PCCP project. “We’ve reduced [risk] by 35% with a true system approach to risk reduction.” Ricky Boyett, district Corps spokesman, adds. “Before, the canals were the first line of defense. Now, they are secondary."
Read more about the system by going to the full article here.
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CCA is hiring!
Learn more about building your career at CCA
Looking for a new opportunity? CCA is a leading forensic engineering, architectural, construction management and business consulting firm with big talent and an unflagging commitment to excellence.
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2016 West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar
The CCA Group was proud to be the lunch sponsor at the 2016 West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar. As always, it was a great opportunity to discuss all of the latest trends, new ideas and best practices, as well as network with many leaders in our field.
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Top Builder to Pay for Condo Defense
The verdict is in! After many years and a 38-day trial a Florida six-person jury has ordered one of America's largest home builders to pay up to $9.6 million in damages. This amount is due to alleged defective stucco, roofs, and windows in a 240-unit complex located in Jacksonville, a recent Durability and Design article explains
CCA announces strategic partnership: The CCA Group
CCA is pleased to announce the formation of our strategic partnership, The CCA Group.
The CCA Group, comprised of Construction Consulting Associates, Brierley Associates, and KMI International, offers decades of Forensics and Litigation experience, supported by specialized services in Construction, Engineering, and Architecture. With a full arsenal of national expertise, clients benefit from a single point of contact providing tight control over the entire process, ensuring that expectations for quality, cost control, and schedule are met and often exceeded.
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