The first project will be conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Awad Hanna will develop a comprehensive category method pre-planning process to include step-by-step procedures and a manual of pre-construction planning best practices.

Motor Consultants of America, under the direction of Dr. Parviz Daneshgari, will investigate factors that differentiate union and non-union sheet metal contractors in terms of a project's potential profitability.

Penn State's Dr. Michael Horman will concentrate on advancing managerial and supervisory competencies by creating a framework that promotes a company's learning culture.

"Our goal is to commission projects that will have a meaningful, solid impact on the way that our contractors do business," said George "Butch" Welsh, vice chairman for the foundation. "We need to teach our contractors how to use these research findings to make their businesses better and to make a difference on the bottom line."

Publication date: 12/08/2003