Mastering the Magic Number 7: Simplifying Construction Management with a Hierarchy Structure

INTRODUCTION

In the world of construction, managing a project can be a daunting task. From planning and design to execution and delivery, there are countless elements that must be taken into account to ensure a successful outcome. One crucial aspect of any construction project is the organization and management of the various trades and sub-trades involved. This is where the concept of the "magic number 7" comes into play.

The "magic number 7" refers to the idea that humans can only hold 7 (plus or minus 2) pieces of information in their working memory at a time. This concept has been applied to many different fields, including construction project management. By breaking down the trades and sub-trades involved in a project into a manageable number of categories, it becomes easier to keep track of the various elements and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

In this article, we will explore how the "magic number 7" applies to the construction industry, specifically when it comes to organizing and managing trades and in a later article, sub-trades. We will examine how this concept can be used to create a standard hierarchy for most construction projects. Whether you're a seasoned construction project manager or just starting out in the field, understanding the "magic number 7" can help you stay organized and on top of your projects.

TYPE OF TRADES AND SCOPE OF WORK

This classification of trades can be applied to any construction project on land because it covers all the major areas of work involved in construction projects, regardless of their scale or type.?

• Earth Works and Piling (EW) is responsible for the excavation, grading, soil stabilization, and soil erosion control necessary to create a stable foundation for the construction project.?
• Concrete Foundations (CV) are the literal building blocks upon which the entire project rests. This trade includes footings, slabs, walls, and drainage, which are essential components of any structure.?
• Structure (ST) encompasses both steel and concrete structures, including beams, columns, and trusses.?
• Mechanical (ME) covers the installation and maintenance of HVAC systems, plumbing, and other mechanical systems necessary for the functioning of the building.?
• Piping (PI) is responsible for the installation and maintenance of various piping systems, including water, gas, and sewage.
• Electrical (EL) is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the building's electrical system, including lighting, power, and communications.?
• Instrumentation (IN) involves the installation and maintenance of various control and measurement systems, including sensors, gauges, and meters.?
• Fireproofing and Painting (FP) includes all necessary work to protect the structure from fire and to paint the building's exterior and interior.?
• Insulation (IS) is responsible for the installation of insulation materials to keep the building warm or cool as required, as well as for noise reduction.?
• Architectural (AR) covers all aspects of building design, including the selection of materials, finishes, and fixtures, as well as the development of blueprints and specifications.?

It can be mentioned that in some construction projects, the trades of Mechanical (ME), Electrical (EL), and Piping (PI) are often combined into a single trade referred to as MEP. This is due to the high level of coordination required between these trades and their interdependence on each other. MEP stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing, and it is a common grouping used in the construction industry. It can be emphasized that regardless of whether these trades are combined or separated, the use of the "magic number 7" concept can be applied to effectively manage and track their work.

These trades are relevant for any construction project on land, whether it is a residential, commercial, industrial, or infrastructure project, as all of them require some or all of these trades to complete the construction.

HIERARCHY NEEDED

This classification we just introduced will serve as Level 1 of a hierarchical structure that allows us to break down each trade into more detailed sub-trades and lower-level codes. This level of organization and structure is crucial in construction projects of any scale and complexity, as it helps to track and control the progress of each activity, anticipate possible challenges, and adjust resources accordingly.

Without a well-defined hierarchy, the management of construction projects can quickly become chaotic, with activities overlapping or not properly coordinated, resulting in unnecessary delays and cost overruns. On the other hand, when we break down each trade into smaller, more manageable sub-trades and cost codes, we can identify critical path activities, optimize resources, and ensure that each task is executed according to plan, maximizing efficiency and minimizing risks.

Therefore, having a clear hierarchy and structure in place is fundamental to achieving success in any construction project, and this classification we introduced provides a solid starting point for any project, regardless of its scope, complexity, or location.

The "magic number 7" concept will be used to group similar tasks and break down the Level 1 trades into Level 2 sub-trades. This will help construction personnel to narrow their scope of work and make it more manageable, as well as help with cost control and project tracking. It is important to keep in mind that the Level 3 breakdown may vary from project to project, depending on the specific requirements and needs of each project. However, by having a standard hierarchy in place, it will be easier to track and control the work at any level.

The concept of the "magic number 7" in construction and the trades hierarchy is closely aligned with the Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) framework. AWP is a planning and execution methodology that breaks down a project into discrete work packages, which are self-contained units of work that can be planned, executed, and tracked independently of other work packages. The trades hierarchy provides a structure for organizing the work packages and helps to ensure that each package is scoped appropriately.

By breaking down the project into smaller, more manageable packages, the AWP framework helps to improve project predictability, reduce rework, and increase efficiency. The trades hierarchy is a key component of the AWP framework, as it provides a standardized approach to organizing the work packages and ensures that each package is aligned with the overall project objectives.

HIERARCHIES AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The use of this trades hierarchy and standardized trade breakdown can also facilitate the implementation of digital transformation in construction projects. By utilizing digital tools and technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), we can improve the accuracy of project information and reduce waste. These tools rely heavily on the use of standardized trade codes and hierarchies to ensure that the information being exchanged is clear and concise. Therefore, having a standardized trades hierarchy can enable the implementation of these tools with ease, enabling contractors to work more efficiently, increase collaboration, and reduce the risk of errors.

The use of digital tools can also help automate many of the administrative tasks that come with construction projects, such as creating purchase orders and tracking invoices. By automating these tasks, we can reduce the amount of time spent on administrative work, freeing up resources to focus on other aspects of the project. Additionally, digital tools can also provide real-time project data, allowing construction professionals to monitor the progress of the project and make informed decisions based on this data.

In summary, the adoption of a standardized trades hierarchy and the implementation of digital tools can lead to significant improvements in the construction industry. By using a common language and structure, we can reduce the risk of miscommunication, improve project efficiency, and reduce costs. Furthermore, digital tools can help automate many administrative tasks, freeing up resources to focus on other areas of the project. Ultimately, these improvements can help the construction industry become more competitive, agile, and successful in the long run.

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CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the "magic number 7" concept and the trades hierarchy we have created can be a useful tool for any construction project. By breaking down the project into different trades, we can effectively track and control the work being done at any level. Remember, proper planning and organization are key to success in any project, and the trades hierarchy is an important part of that process. The concept of the "magic number 7" can help construction professionals to narrow their focus and better understand their role in the project, improving efficiency, reducing mistakes, and ultimately delivering a successful construction project.

Moreover, standardizing this trade breakdown and implementing the "magic number 7" concept can lead to more efficient communication and collaboration between construction teams worldwide. Having a common language and structure, stakeholders can easily understand and interpret project information, reducing the risk of miscommunication and errors. Furthermore, it can facilitate the use of digital technologies and software tools that rely on standardized trade codes and hierarchies. Ultimately, standardization can lead to improved project performance, reduced costs, and increased competitiveness in the construction industry worldwide. Therefore, implementing the trades hierarchy and "magic number 7" concept can greatly benefit the construction industry, leading to successful and sustainable projects.