Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT
Senior Member
Username: rliebing
Post Number: 1427
Registered: 02-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 09:32 am: |    |
130911
DO KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL, IN CONSTRUCTION, EQUATE?
By Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT
Cincinnati, Ohio
Yes, in a manner if we use specific limits of definitions. Namely, if we “assign” knowledge of the products and their flexibility of fabrication [with help of trusted product representatives] to the design professionals. And skill in fabrication and installation [with help of the product reps, too] to the work trade professionals.
It is necessary to recognize and understand the differences and the interrelationship of the three groups-- design professionals; skilled trade workers; and product representatives. Their properly combined work and effort is the key and absolutely essential aspect of the discussion and the reality. Simply, this IS the way it is and the way it works!
Of course, all three have an element of knowledge, in those aspects that allow and support their work. It is “different” knowledge working at different perspectives on the project, but contributing to the success of the overall project. We all know that the product representatives are pivotal in this situation. Thereps need to know the product information from the design standpoint, so they can advise the design professionals of the nuances and variations that are inherent into their products-- and to evaluate the “new” use of the product anticipated by the designer.
The skilled construction personnel, the rep, must be able to interpret the design use to the hands-on personnel, so the design is accomplished using new techniques of devises, etc. and where this type of knowledge is not available there is an excellent chance for Change Orders, misunderstanding and flawed construction.
Also, two types of representatives can be identified—"manufacturers’’’ [representing several product lines and manufacturers] and “product” [representing a single manufacturer and product line or lines]. Different business configurations, perspective and different level of information; and insight along with in-depth knowledge.
The marvel of it all is that a “brick and mortar” structure is the result of having knowledge and applying skill to apply that knowledge using the various products. It s obvious that sound knowledge, wide in scope, is the bedrock of construction. It appears as different forms for different people, BUT it is still knowledge in various forms put to use in various ways. This is so fundamentality simple it CANNOT be ignored, forgotten or obviated, Yet today, there are situations and personnel who do not possess the very information and working knowledge they need to produce the work of the trade or profession, How come?
Everyone involved is trained [gathers knowledge] but in differing tracks, for different ends. The “trick” is to blend and combine all of these into a single collection and add appropriate skills to realize the project. Therefore, knowledge and skill are equally important but need not be equal in volume, or complexity.
There are many highly experienced voices around that speak, but not often-- and are for some reason easily ignored. Here is a paraphrase quote from Alan Mays, RA, AIA, has who has one of those quite astute voices:
www.4specs/com-- discussion board
http://discus.4specs.com/discus/messages/2046/4765.html?1378750432
See Alan Mays, Posted on Friday, September 06, 2013 - 01:44 pm:
CSI has its eye on the situation of “knowledge and skill”. Help is on the way! |
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