Wednesday, June 26

Joe Triano, the carpenter, was banging away in the kitchen. He was completing the framing work, nailing the new studs to the floor and ceiling joists. Delivery of the Anderson casement window was expected any day. The new bay window would fit snugly into the hole Joe had created in the framing. The supply chain architect and Tom, the building architect, were trying to hold a conversation in the far corner of the room between the blows of Joe s hammer. It was practically impossible.

You were mentioning that the schedule for the plumber would have to slip a few days, said the supply chain architect.

Yeah. Tough break. We could really use him tomorrow. Joe will finish the framing work where the plumbing has to go by this afternoon, replied Tom.

I don t understand why we have to wait now for the plumber. You assured me that your plumber was reliable and did high quality work weeks ago, before I signed the contract. What has changed?

It s the old story. I have worked with George, my plumbing contractor, on a lot of jobs. But, I know there will be times when my little jobs will lose priority to someone else s bigger jobs.

What do you mean?

Say, for example, that George agrees to work with me on your kitchen renovation. This is a big deal for you; but frankly, it may be just a schedule-filler for George. Now say George bids on that 100-unit condominium complex going...