Masonry Magazine October 1964 Page. 21
The Book Mart
Construction Company Organization and Management by George E. Deatherage, P.E., George E. Deatherage & Son, Construction Consultants, Satsuma, Florida. 308 pages plus index, 176 illustrations, 7 1/4 x 9 7/8 McGraw-Hill $12.00. Publication date: October, 1964.
"I have observed, during my more than 50 years in engineering and construction, that many contractors fail to use the basic proven methods of organization and management," writes George E. Deatherage in the preface of his book, "Construction Company Organization and Management," published this month by McGraw-Hill.
"In a recent comprehensive survey covering an entire metropolitan area," he continues, "it developed that most contractors had not even thought of formal organization until they were asked about it in the interview. Less than 25 per cent had organization charts, and these primarily were in the larger firms. This is enlightening when considered along with the fact that, according to each yearly analysis of business failures in the construction business, 85 per cent of such failures were due to lack of management knowledge and experience. Fully one-third of all contractors are in the loss column at the year's end, and an equal number only barely escape closing the books with a loss to their creditors."
Mr. Deatherage has written his book with a view towards correcting this situation by providing a comprehensive volume on the subject of construction company organization and management. His purpose is to present not only the basic fundamentals of construction organization in the light of the type and extent of the work to be done as expressed in the contract document requirements, but to express this in such detail that it will be truly informative and immediately useful. In addition, he has always kept in mind that "whatever information is imparted, it must be helpful in furthering the 'core' function of the contracting business, that of preparing realistic cost estimates which give the maximum assurance that a profit can be made."
McGraw-Hill is publishing three additional books by Mr. Deatherage during the next six months: "Construction Office Administration," "Estimating and Job Preplanning," and "Construction Scheduling" (tentative title).
Further information on Deatherage's "Construction Company Organization and Management" may be obtained from the McGraw-Hill Book Information Service, 327 West 41st Street, New York, N.Y. 10036.
Form New Institute
A dynamic program of local-level promotion and technical assistance to the building profession has been announced with the formation of the New England Masonry Institute. NEMI, headquartered in Framingham, Mass., will be comprised of leading concrete block manufacturers throughout New England, according to Albert H. Vitale, President.
"Concrete masonry has unlimited potential. We are endeavoring to strengthen and widen the markets for block in creating the New England Masonry Institute" said Mr. Vitale. In support of Mr. Vitale's views, the new organization unveiled its plans for the immediate hiring of four field representatives who will travel throughout New England calling on architectural offices and the building profession. William P. Markert, former Director of Promotion for the National Concrete Masonry Association, has been engaged as organizer and Executive Director of NEMI.