Four Timeless Principles for Construction Project Managers with Randy R. Rapp (Purdue)

I recently had a fun conversation with Randy R. Rapp, who is the Professor of Disaster Restoration and Reconstruction at Purdue University and Associate Professor of Construction Management Technology.    As our conversation, which will later be released in episodes of The DYOJO Podcast, drew to an end, I asked the Professor if he had any closing thoughts for those professionals aspiring towards are developing in their project management responsibilities. Randy shared some insights that draw from his wealth of experiences in the military, construction management, and disaster restoration response.    Randy shared four principles that he was introduced to in 1984 while serving in the military. According to the NY Times, this Airland 2000 battle doctrine marked a fundamental shift in the tactical approach of the armed forces from defensive to offensive, and eerily apropos to current world affairs, the focus was on the Cold War conflict with Russia. He recalls those foundational disciplines as:   Initiative   Agility   Depth   Synchronization    Professor Rapp noted that some listeners, or readers, might ask, “What does a college instructor know about what I do day-to-day as a restoration contractor?” It’s a good question, but if you spent some time with Randy or read his excellent book, Disaster Recovery Project Management: Bringing Order from Chaos, you would quickly learn that he isn’t the stereotypical academic.    In addition to his instruction during his military service, Randy has some harrowing experiences to share about working for the military on construction projects in areas that became active combat zones. As such, it is fitting that the fundamental tenets that he shared in our discussion (see attached video) he views as helpful and adaptable as a framework for project management.      THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:   Restoration Industry Association (RIA)  Restoration Technical Institute (RTI)  Office Services by Brandi   Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC)    THURSDAYS ARE FOR The DYOJO Podcast   New episodes of The DYOJO Podcast are released on Thursdays 9am PST via video through YouTube and/or audio is distributed through platforms such as Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Learn more by visiting our website - www.thedyojo.com/podcast