MOP update underway -
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MOP update underway -
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it appears the next MOP will be useful not only to specifiers and product suppliers, but to the majority of people involved in construction related articles: |
In the first three columns in this series, we
looked at the history of CSI and how the development of the Manual of Practice
reflected the needs of the organization. As CSI membership changed, growing from a group
of specifiers to include other entities involved in construction, the MOP also changed. At
first a guide for writing specifications, it now addresses the needs of the product
supplier and the construction administrator; it also provides an excellent overview of part
of the construction process. The Fundamentals and Formats Module in the current edition of the MOP briefly discusses project phases, then examines construction documents and procedures used for bidding and construction in great detail. The Specifications Practice Module goes even further in describing how to prepare several types of specifications. The most recent additions, the Product Representation and Contract Administration modules also examine limited topics in great detail. There are, however, many subjects that receive only passing mention, or lack the depth of information that is presented for specifiers, product representatives, and construction administrators. As CSI attempts to expand its influence into other areas, and seeks new members from those who are involved in other parts of a facility's life, it is reasonable that the MOP also expand. The Institute Technical Committee has reviewed the existing Manual of Practice to determine how it might be improved. As noted in an earlier column, TechCom identified some structural changes that would delay obsolescence due to changes in other documents, at the same time making it easier to acknowledge such changes. More important, TechCom reported that the MOP in its present form does not adequately address the needs of large sectors of the construction industry. To remain the major reference for construction, the Manual of Practice will have to include the entire spectrum of construction activities. Two primary entities in construction - the owner and the contractor - are now largely ignored. The role of each is explained, as are the relationships between the parties to a construction contract. Missing, though, are explorations of how they fit into the construction process, other than to furnish information to, or to accept direction from, the design professional. Other subjects that need more explanation include project inception (how a project comes into being, and what information is required at that time), project delivery, planning (preliminary project descriptions), costs (estimating, value engineering, life-cycle), quality (testing, inspections, demonstration, training, post-construction activities), risk management, building codes, and facilities management. All of these subjects, and more, are potential candidates for inclusion in the next Manual of Practice. Although the content and organization have not been finalized, it appears the next MOP will be useful not only to specifiers and product suppliers, but to the majority of people involved in construction. If you have comments about the MOP send me an e-mail. © 1999 Sheldon Wolfe, CSI, CCS, CCCA |
