About Us

VISION

 A socially and economically sustainable transformation of the construction industry in Uganda

MISSION

• Research and facilitate expert analysis of the fundamental problems and solutions in the construction industry
• Coordinate a platform for the provision and dissemination of the sustainable solutions that will create a vibrant construction industry

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

1. Research for value-for-money engineering and infrastructure-related information for sustainable social and economic transformation of the construction industry, compile and design and package findings innovatively, using print and electronic media;
2. Communicate and disseminate the information using the print and electronic media and music, dance and drama using:
3. The 8M Construction Digest and other publications;
4. 8M CD Website, Audio and video documentaries;
5. 8M Up-Skilling Centre dealing using physical/virtual training, symposia and construction kimeeza dialogues

THE 8M FACTORS

It is not by chance that there is an 8M Construction Digest. It is by design, dictated by long term research that:

• Marketers use a model of 4Ps of price, product, promotion and place for marketing;
• Business gurus us a model of 3Cs of customer, competitors and corporations;
• Financial and technical auditors use a model of 4Es of effectiveness, efficiency, economy and equity.

“Lean” is an all-encompassing philosophy that takes the 5 M’s (Manpower, Materials, Machines, Methods, and Money) and harmonizes or helps orchestrate them together for the best possible outcome in manufacturing operations.

Following this long-established model by industrialists and manufactures, 8M Construction Digest updated the 5 Ms to create the 7Ms of the 7M Construction Magazine that run from 1995 to 2016. These were updated to the 8Ms that formed 8M Construction Digest from 2016 to date. The 8Ms in construction and beyond are 8 factors that all start with letter “M”, which when sought and coordinated are responsible for the successful implementation of any engineering, industrial, manufacturing and related projects.

They are: Mindset, Markets, Methods, Management, Money, Materials, Manpower and Machinery. Here follows an explanation of their relevance, and hence the name 8M Construction Digest.

Mindset

The Mindset factor considers the much-needed attitude to seek and satisfy viable/feasible markets, apply appropriate methods and management techniques, using money, materials, manpower and machinery to produce values for money for sustainable social and economic transformation of the construction industry. Some Ugandans cry, “Gavumenti etuyambe” meaning, “Let Government help us” in spite of having other 7M factors. I knew a gentleman who had 165 acres of land about 100 km from Kampala, with a creek passing through the land. He had a tractor that was missing only one wheel. He nevertheless opted to be employed and get peanuts in Kampala. Like him, there are people who lack a mindset or attitude to realise and utilize their talents and available resources sustainably and profitably.

Markets

The Markets factor refers to marketable, viable and feasible construction products and services. As an example, the markets factor in choosing a dream home should have social and economic considerations to avoid “white elephants” of buildings in most country sides. The same markets factor is prioritised when planning and constructing a road in accordance to social and economic needs. Considerations of the return on the investment arise before investing in business ventures lest they become unmarketable. Real estate dealers are grouped under this category.

Methods

The Methods factor refers to the sound and professional technical methods or ways of planning, design, construction maintenance and demolition of structures. As an example of a marketable hospital, professionals including architects, engineers and quantity surveyors plan, design and supervise the construction. They produce plans, drawings and bills of quantities that form the basis for a value for money hospital, if done well. On behalf of the developer, they manage the scope, quality, cost and time for and effective, efficient and economic product. Professionals establish and use technical methods to maintain or demolish structures.

Professionals and their professional bodies in engineering, architecture, surveying and planning are grouped under this category. Notable among them is the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) whose role is to bring together engineers, technologists and technicians and professionalise them through continuous professional development programs.

Management

The Management factor manages the vision, mission and objectives of the (construction) business. With the correct mindset, management deals with the planning of activities, coordinating them into an organization chat, staffing and controlling the staff to achieve the set objectives of the business using the identified markets, technical methods of design and implementation, money, materials, manpower and machinery.

Government corporations and departments, big private enterprises are grouped under this category.

Money

The Money factor deals with seeking funds to run planned activities and utilise the same cost effectively and profitably. Money is used, among others to pay for manpower and purchase materials and machinery. Good financial planning and cost control, cost appraisals and audits are a key to business growth and profitability.

Banks and microfinance institutions, insurances and saving schemes are grouped under this category.

Materials

Some examples of materials in the construction industry are land, cements, stones, timbers, metal products, electrical appliances and paints. (Construction) materials are needed by manpower to be used in accordance with the planned methods so as to produce marketable products and services, using management techniques. Needed is the careful identification and procurement of the appropriate materials, storing and utilization of the same to make the desired products and services in accordance with the methods and using manpower and machinery. Very key is the research and development of locally available materials and manpower to increase value for money and sustainable profitability. More vital is the utilisation businesses.

Manufacturers and dealers in construction materials are grouped under this category.

Manpower

The manpower factor deals with the men and women, who are taught to construct/manufacture/produce marketable products and services using technical methods while being directed and controlled by management techniques and utilizing money to satisfy the business markets. The key factor here is identifying the right people, training, motivating and controlling them to make the marketable products and services profitably.

Contractors and their umbrella bodies, institutions of learning, technologists, technicians, artisans and skilled labourers are grouped under this category.

Machinery

The machinery factor considers all tools, equipment and machines that are used to do work more efficiently and cost effectively. Examples in this category include construction plant and equipment such as graders, bulldozers, motor vehicles, office equipment such as computers, printers, telephones, tools such as tape measures and hammers. Important considerations here are careful procurement, utilization and maintenance of appropriate machinery.

Manufacturers and dealers in tools, equipment and machinery are grouped under this category.