Amy Marks presented by prefabAUS
On the 16th of April I was able to attend the first ever event presented by prefabAUS in Adelaide. Along with approx. 30 or so industry and government attendees I was enlightened by Amy Marks of XSite Modular Consulting, one of the leading international voices advocating for the modular & prefab industry.
Given the immature nature of the local industry here in SA (compared to eastern states, Asia, Europe and the US) it was extremely insightful to hear the stratigies Amy has adopted to push her agenda for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
Of the wide ranging topics she discussed my particular favourites were how Apple has successfully taken over our lives (through pieces and parts) and the 'Formula for Change' (Dannemiller version: D x V x F > R).
This theory proposes that three factors must be present for meaningful organizational change to take place.
These factors are:
D = Dissatisfaction with how things are now;
V = Vision of what is possible;
F = First, concrete steps that can be taken towards the vision;
If the product of these three factors is greater than
R = Resistance
then change is possible.
Because D, V, and F are multiplied, if any one is absent (zero) or low, then the product will be zero or low and therefore not capable of overcoming the resistance.
To ensure a successful change it is necessary to use influence and strategic thinking in order to create vision and identify those crucial, early steps towards it. In addition, the organization must recognize and accept the dissatisfaction that exists by listening to the employee voice while sharing industry trends, leadership ideas, best practice and competitive analysis to identify the necessity for change.
One current project I am working on is exploring prefab methodology. It would deliver a better product than refurbishing the existing building, in less time, with less operational downtime and cost neutral.
However, it looks like the Resistence is still too strong...
