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Construction Business for the 21st Century: Managing Risk and Improving Profits covers the business side of construction contracting. This book provides 21st century processes, procedures and practices that will advance the construction industry into the future.
The industry that built the United States suffers from diminishing profit margins, causing it to have the second highest failure rate in the nation. Drawing from decades of research into the causes of contractor failure, the author offers solutions for improved profits and risk management and identifies "legacy" industry practices that have become obsolete. The topics covered, such as project selection, the low-bid process, risk identification and management, and understanding market cycles, are critical subjects for 21st century construction professionals. This book also addresses in detail the important subjects of succession planning, industry consolidation, growth limits, joint ventures, equipment management, and boards of directors/advisors. Readers will receive critical insights into financial and accounting processes, which are rarely covered in technicians' and engineers' education.
Whether a General Contractor, Construction Manager, specialty contractor, credit grantor, or student, this book will provide a thorough understanding of the intricacies and complexities needed to succeed in the construction business.
List of contents
1. The Low Bid System Makes No Sense. 2. Project Selection Is Too Often Driven by Ego. 3. Accounting for Work in Progress Is Almost a Joke. 4. The Industry Has Abandoned Cost Control. 5. Getting Paid for Your Work. 6. Accuracy of Performance Data. 7. Prior Financial Statements-Active Management Tool. 8. Industry Business Competence is Weak. 9. Understanding Financial-Operational Capacity is Critical. 10. Limits to Growth. 11. Profit Trumps Volume (Managerial Maturity). 12. Management Succession is Treacherous. 13. Joint Ventures, Always Risky. 14. Equipment Costs More Than You Think. 15. Dangers of Known and Hidden Risks. 16. Industry Market Cycles. 17. The Value of Seeking Advice.
About the author
Thomas C. Schleifer entered the construction industry at age 16 and has more than 60 years of contracting and consulting experience-from field Superintendent, to Contractor to nationally known Consultant, Author, and Lecturer. His blog and newsletter, Contractor's Weekly Construction Message, has an audience of over 20,000 readers. His previous books include
The Secrets to Construction Business Success (Routledge 2022).
