Managing a global workforce: a key for competitiveness in design

Communication technology now offers the capability to rapidly and inexpensively transmit design documents around the world. This capability can yield a competitive advantage for the architect/engineer (A/E) involved with joint venture companies overseas. However, numerous management, technical, and economic issues must be weighed carefully before adopting a global approach for design. It is concluded that only with careful planning can an A/E´s international partners be successful in a cooperative design effort. With an appropriate combination of geographically dispersed offices linked by an electronic communication network, facility design can be executed more quickly and with lower average labor rates. The key to realizing this advantage is good management and a careful planning process