The new year promises to bring some advances in the management of construction projects, but at least one CPC/BIM contributor is hoping for extensive changes in 2010. Of the scheduled improvements, Tammy McCuen reports that the next version of the National Building Information Modeling Standard is expected to be unveiled in 2010's third quarter. Also, the Construction Management Association of America recently released its 2010 Construction Management Standards of Practice, the first revision to the SOP in six years. Despite these strides, CPC/BIM contributor Larry True wants additional reform in construction industry practices in the new year, calling on more owners and contractors to make good-faith attempts to settle their disputes, admit their errors, and keep lawyers and experts "out of it."

Also in the December CPC/BIM, the Design-Build Institute of America's Board of Directors releases a new mission and values statement, there is plenty of advice for construction professionals from experts participating in our exclusive webinars, John Jurewicz explores the growth of "big rooms," a federal agency approves the use of ConsensusDocs as a matter of policy, and don't forget Industry Updates.

 Jurewicz covers this trend and outlines the basic requirements of what is needed for setting up big rooms (places where contractors can coordinate their work, visualize how labor forces will interact, and solve complex assembly problems). 

 Questions persist about the National Building Information Modeling Standard (NBIMS). What actually needs to be standardized in NBIMS? What content should be included in NBIMS?

True has several final recommendations, seeking sufficient budget contingencies, good-faith attempts to settle disputes, protection of contractors' rights, among other things.

Aronson examines Contract Management and says the rumor that it has seen its last upgrade is not true. In fact, programming is under way.

CPC/BIM's DBIA conference coverage also examines the benefits of BIM in the design-build delivery process and the management of risk through consistent performance.

Topics address implied obligations, cost control, weather planning.