Category: Planning

Is Investing in AEC Firm Business Improvement Really Worth It?

Mar 8, 2011adminBusiness Improvement, Operations, Planning

My question today: is working on the firm – those internally-focused initiatives of planning, training, and individual and organization development – really worth the time, energy, and financial investment involved? At some level the answer is (for most all of us) yes – since few would argue that they or their firms are perfect. That said, it’s common that leaders believe business performance improvement is both possible and worth it – while at the same being unwilling to invest in the actions required for change and improvement. There are of course many reasons – or justifications – for this lack […]

AEC Recovery – Bears and Bulls in the Early Going

Feb 7, 2011adminBusiness Improvement, Operations, Planning

As usual, economic pundits disagree on the direction and pace of the economic recovery. Still –perhaps you’ve noticed as well – fewer seem to be arguing for a decline (the so-called double dip) than before. In fact, most forecasters describe the road ahead (for the general economy) as encouraging, albeit perhaps too slow for most. In the AEC industry, future outlooks and levels of optimism remained varied. As has been the case throughout this recession, the forecast for an individual firm is highly dependent on that organization’s service capabilities, market focus, and geographic reach. A sense of cautious optimism defines […]

“All right, what do we got here?” AEC Organizational Assessment

Dec 21, 2010adminBusiness Improvement, Operations, Planning

Here’s a thought: AEC principals can learn a lot about business improvement and effective firm management from television crime shows. Sound crazy? My wife Megan loves these shows – the police ‘procedurals.’ Most use a familiar structure – a victim in the opening frames, arrival of the lead investigator, and the obligatory question: “all right, what do we got here?” Queue the music, run the title shot, and cut. A perfect set up of context, background, and preliminary hypothesis. It’s fast paced, exciting, and entertaining – and nicely packaged up before the first commercials. Don’t you wish your business was […]

Business Improvement for AEC Firms – The Organization Assessment

Oct 14, 2010adminBusiness Improvement, Operations, Planning

Is Strategic Business Planning Dead – in Today’s Topsy-Turvy World?

Aug 24, 2010adminBusiness Improvement, Planning

Yes, according to some pundits, who argue that long term and strategy focused enterprise planning has lost its meaning and relevance in a new world order defined by constant turmoil, change, and chaos. Some suggest instead that organizations should focus on preserving operational flexibility and maneuverability, and on being opportunistic – keeping their options open. Others argue that the economy and markets are today too volatile and unpredictable for developing an effective strategic plan. One ‘consultant’ I know has even characterized strategic planning as little more than a fad whose time has now come and gone – just like so […]

Who’ll run your firm tomorrow?

Jul 21, 2010adminPlanning

What’s the biggest challenge facing your firm? Some recent answers I’ve heard: “staying afloat,” “getting through the summer,” and “making payroll.” A lot of AEE firms are doing just “OK” this year, while many others continue to struggle – week to week, month to month – with thin backlogs, weak utilization, and a still uncertain forecast. Most continue cutting costs, closely managing cash, and looking hard (though not always effectively) for new work. But far too many firm leaders are over-focusing today on the short term. Yes, stabilizing and restructuring the firm has been critical (and much needed) for short […]

Prepare now – the recovery is coming.

Jun 7, 2010adminPlanning

Yes, the economic rebound is on the way. Guaranteed. But where, and when? If you’re like most architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting (AEE) professionals, you’ve been asking and analyzing this question for some time. You’re not sure, and neither am I. The economy is indeed recovering, but it’s slow and fragile. Job losses have stopped, and nearly a million new jobs have been created this year (this week’s May jobs report was disappointing). Consumer confidence is growing and has this month reached a two year high. More business leaders are now planning for hiring and inventory ramp up across a […]

What about the international work?

May 26, 2010adminPlanning

Last week I participated in a panel presentation entitled “What AEC Firms Need to Know about the International Markets,” at Deltek’s annual Insight Conference. I was joined by panel colleagues Mick Morrissey of MorrisseyGoodale and Brian Raber from Merrick & Company. Together we sought to lay out a brief sketch of the international opportunity – the why, where, and how – along with some lessons learned from real world international experience. About half of the attendee audience cited at least some international project experience; only a few of their firms had operational offices or teams overseas. Our presentation was well received, […]