New Horizons Foundation

Effective Project Close-Out for HVAC/Sheet Metal Contractors: Successful Practices Guide

This study investigates different project close-out processes used by various mechanical and sheet metal companies in the industry.

The Executive Order Impact on COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors

The New Horizons Foundation published a report for SMACNA members covering the impact of President Biden’s Executive Order on ensuring adequate COVID safety protocols for federal contractors.

Human Dimensions Assessment of Top-Performing Personnel

This study from the New Horizons Foundation identified the human dimensions (personality, emotional intelligence, and behavioral traits) of key job roles within SMACNA contractors. The study uncovered a lot about the top 10% of performers among Project Managers and Field Leaders.

Organizational Adoption of New Technologies: Best Practices for SMACNA Contractors

SMACNA members are eager to adopt new technologies, operational processes, and business strategies. Yet the implementation of organizational change – defined as an intentional, company-level adoption of new practices, technologies, or management approaches – can be extremely difficult. This white paper identifies the top eight most effective technology implementation management practices.

Best Practices for Field Leader Succession

Field Leader Succession is the process of developing and transitioning new leaders so they can replace their predecessors at the foreman, general foreman, or superintendent level. This white paper focuses on best practices in field leadership transition from one generation to the next.

Internet of Things (IoT): Implications and Strategies for Sheet Metal and HVAC Contractors

This white paper by the New Horizons Foundation seeks to increase awareness among sheet metal and HVAC contractors of how big data will change the ways that buildings and building systems are designed, constructed, and maintained.

Engaging a Workforce in Transition - Keeping Skilled Labor

This short white paper outlines the steps necessary to create a highly engaged workforce that will sustain your organization and manage the transition from one generation to the next.

An Executive Exit: A Closer Look at the Factors That Drive Successful Executive Transitions

There is significant research on laying the organizational groundwork for transition and identifying and preparing a successor. However, there is no formal set of guidelines for a successor transitioning into the CEO role.

Tools for the Hiring, Promotion, and Talent Development of Sheet Metal and Mechanical Contractors

The New Horizons Foundation partnered with lead researchers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the University of Kansas to understand how personality and aptitude assessments are being used successfully in the construction industry.

Decision-Making Framework for New Market Opportunities: A 10-Step Process

Are you ready to add a new line of work or a new market for your existing line of work? Market opportunities can present themselves in a variety of ways:

• a customer could ask your company to expand geographically;
• an employee might offer up specific skills;
• or a new market in need of service can have a strong pull.

Enhancing Your Organizational Structure: An Approach to Profitable Operations

This white paper focuses on traditional and functional organizational structures. It offers a simple and easily understood contrast and comment on the appropriateness of each approach. In contrast to the traditional structure, the paper concludes that a functional analysis of a firm’s operations can be “a tool for designing their organization going forward. It views a contracting company as a system of various inputs coordinated to create one desired outcome.”

The Impact of Prefabrication on Productivity

This white paper offers a set of best practices to optimize the use of prefabrication to obtain peak productivity for HVAC and sheet metal contractors.

Using a Board of Directors, Peer Groups and Other Resources to Challenge and Enhance Performance

This white paper offers advice and suggestions on the effective use of outside resources to improve performance of HVAC and sheet metal contractors.

A New Era of Customer Service: How to Manage Customer Relationship

This paper includes a list of best practices to identify customer needs and satisfaction and outlines a cost-effective process to create a customer-centered culture. The white paper was written for HVAC and sheet metal contractors by Tom Schleifer, an author with experience and instant credibility in the industry.

Successful Marketing and Business Development Strategies for HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors

This white paper helps HVAC and sheet metal contractors use marketing and business development more strategically. It also provides an approach on how to create a plan, implement it, measure the results and, ultimately, create a long-term plan to build customer relationships and backlogs.

The HVAC and Sheet Metal Industry Futures Study Update 2016

The 2016 Futures Study Update begins with a review and analysis of the 2012 study with a focus on the viability of the predictions outlined in the earlier report. The publication offers a broad environmental sweep, an examination of unanticipated changes, and validation or modifications to the 2012 implications and emerging trends.

Off-Site Construction, Modularization, and Sheet Metal Prefabrication

This paper focuses on off-site construction from the perspective of prefabrication, and installation of preassembled building components within “traditional” site-built construction project delivery methods or systems.

The Use of Just-in-Time Training in Construction

The Just-in-Time Training (JITT) report examines in detail the concept and application of Just-in-Time Training.

Risks and Opportunities for HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors During the Construction Market Recovery

This white paper describes and analyzes contractor risks associated with a recovering economy and market.

Strategic Thinking

Strategic Thinking is a blueprint for contractors seeking to use the Futures Study to improve their position as the industry recovers and stabilizes.

Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

The paper using case study references addresses the implementation of continuous improvement in an easily understood format.

So You Want to Be a CEO? Read This First

This white paper focuses on CEO responsibilities for HVAC/sheet metal firms and other construction industry firms.

Contractor Success Stories: Adapting to the Post-Recession World

The Great Recession has had a profound and long-lasting effect on the U.S. construction industry – including the HVAC and sheet metal industry – forcing many companies to look inside and reevaluate their services, clients and markets as well as their vision and strategic goals.

The HVAC and Sheet Metal Industry Futures Study (2012 Update)

This report includes a quick review and reevaluation of what was predicted and presented in 2008. It quickly moves into a presentation on future trends and the major implications of those trends for HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors.

Leadership Selection Practices for HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors

This New Horizons Foundation report outlines each step of the leadership selection process with recommendations based on best practices. By taking an intentional, focused look at the limitations of current selection processes, organizations using this report can identify ways to make more informed and effective decisions.

Risk Assessment Model: A Practical Guide for HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors

The report helps contractors as they seek to identify early on, which risks/opportunities deserve resources, develop early stages of an effective project risk assessment/management plan, and improve results using effective risk assessment/management tools.

Continuity and Transition Planning: The Changing Face of Leadership

The leadership and supporters of the New Horizons Foundation have produced three comprehensive research reports concerning the importance of business continuity planning and execution.

Mentoring and Coaching Practices: Developing the Next Generation

Mentoring and coaching can be used successfully to prepare the next generation of leaders and owners, and help attract new recruits.

Project Tracking to Improve Labor Productivity

This report includes a cost and schedule control system to measure, track, and forecast cost, percent complete, and completion date.

Exit Strategies for HVAC/Sheet Metal Contractors: Strategies for Equity and Ownership Transfer

This report presents the results of a study commissioned by the foundation to identify and evaluate approaches for exit strategies and equity transfer for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC ) and sheet metal contractors.

Kaizen Blitz: Significantly Improving Performance in a Week or Less

To attain improved performance, management must commit to and support the outcome of an event, which is loosely described as the application of Lean using a prescribed methodology in a concentrated area of operations in a short period of time.

Thinking Lean - Tools for Decreasing Costs and Increasing Profits

This project updates research conducted in 2005. The need for the update was driven by the increasing complexity of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and sheet metal construction industry. Advancements in technology, financial pressure, and customers seeking greater involvement and value from their projects are the main contributors to this complexity.

Creating a Learning Environment: A Template for Creating and Cultivating a Learning Culture

This report defines how to  create and foster a learning environment in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and sheet metal industry.

The HVAC & Sheet Metal Industry Futures Study: Industry Trends & Drivers Shaping Alternative Futures

To increase the understanding of factors influencing the business and to gain greater clarity for the future of the industry and its constituents, the New Horizons Foundation contracted with FMI Corporation to research and analyze potential industry trends that may affect the HVAC business and its stakeholders over a five- to 10-year horizon.

A Comparison of Operation Cost Factors: Union Versus Nonunion HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors

The New Horizons Foundation sponsored this study that compared operating costs of union and nonunion contractors. The study concluded that cost differences in total costs, labor costs, fabricated ductwork, and crew mix contributed to the operating cost differences between union and nonunion firms.

Preconstruction Planning Process: Implementation Manual

The purpose of this implementation manual, developed as part of a three-phase research project, is to present a comprehensive preconstruction planning process, with 50 step-by-step activities in 12 key planning categories.

Impact of Incompatible Software on HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors

The research objective of this study was to identify the impact of incompatible software on the HVAC and sheet metal industry and to investigate recent interoperability initiatives within the architecture, engineering, and construction and facility management industries.

Measuring Customer Loyalty: A Benchmark Study of HVAC and Sheet Metal Customers’ Satisfaction

Customer loyalty can be the key to business success or failure. The New Horizons Foundation initiated and funded a study to gain greater understanding of customer requirements with the intent to improve the competitiveness of HVAC and sheet metal contractors.

Residential HVAC Trends: Home Improvement Centers Enter the Installation and Service Market

This study examines trends and drivers that will impact future scenarios, specifically for the HVAC industry and the union segment of the trade. The research was developed through a combination of interview and surveys with HVAC industry stakeholders and an in-depth literature scan of private and public documentation, trade press, and industry reports.

Procurement Chain Management in the Construction Industry

This study recommends the development of a new procurement process to achieve better time, cost, and quality. This can be accomplished through direct collaboration with all stakeholders in the procurement chain to produce a horizontally integrated procurement process.

Lean Production Principles

The study identifies what “lean” means in the sheet metal and HVAC construction industry. It also suggests how lean can be transferred and implemented in the construction industry and which techniques are most applicable. It compares and reviews sheet metal and HVAC construction companies that are successfully applying the lean principles discussed in this study.

Tool and Material Management Systems

This guide provides practical considerations, tactics and processes that apply specifically to managing tools, equipment and off-the-shelf, consumable materials. It provides an easy-to-reference list of considerations, tactics, and processes for implementation and ongoing improvement.

Quantifying the Cumulative Impact of Change Orders for Sheet Metal Contractors

The New Horizons Foundation formed a research team to focus on the impact of change orders on labor productivity specifically for the sheet metal industry. The team developed a model that can estimate the productivity loss on a project impacted by change orders. The model can be applied to projects to generate a percentage loss of productivity due to changes.

Schedule Compression Effects on Labor Productivity

This study shows how schedule compression affects sheet metal contractors’ labor productivity, and quantifies the effects of overtime, shift work, and overmanning. Models that quantify the impact of each on the labor productivity of sheet metal contractors are presented. Recommendations for the contractor are included.