Modern Management Applied to Construction (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1918. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V FUNDAMENTALS IN CHOOSING TYPE AND AMOUNT OF PLANT One principle or rule of modern management, as applied to construction work, is that of selecting and using machinery for hand methods, and the use of modern appliances instead of obsolete types, keeping always in mind the selection of those types of machines best suited to the particular class of construction and having the greatest range of work. This principle is being recognized by many of the leading contractors and engineers of the United States and Canada, yet in some details it is not being followed. It is also necessary to mention certain limitations to the use of machines. In other words, it is not only possible for a contractor to have too little plant, using hand methods when they should not be used, but, on the other hand, it is possible to use too much plant on a job and to own too many machines. In the past few contractors have given time and thought to this phase of their business. Those possessing little capital and indifferent credit have attempted to do much work by hand. Others having the means to buy plant have used it for the greater part of their work, yet have continued hand methods for odd jobs, believing this to be cheaper. Some contractors have reasoned that if one machine of a certain type saved money, two would be better than one, and have bought more plant. Thus it becomes necessary to discuss these features so that the mistakes made in the past can be avoided. The Economic Plant This is a subject that is of interest, not only to contractors and engineers, but also to manufacturers. With any given sum of money to be expended upon construction work within a limited area, or, for that matter, on a continent, for a year, what per cent of this money will be spent for p...