Franchise Report

Table of Contents

List of Figures..................................................................................................................................3
List of Tables...................................................................................................................................4
Introduction......................................................................................................................................5
Product Development Policy...........................................................................................................6
Product Development Process.....................................................................................................7
Stage 1: Idea Generation..........................................................................................................7
Stage 2: Idea screening.............................................................................................................7
Stage 3: Concept development & testing.................................................................................8
Stage 4: Business strategy analysis & development................................................................8
Stage 5: Business & financial analysis.....................................................................................8
Stage 6: Product development..................................................................................................9
Stage 7: Test marketing............................................................................................................9
Stage 8: Commercialization.....................................................................................................9
IP Intellectual Property..................................................................................................................10
Copyright...................................................................................................................................11
Trademarks.................................................................................................................................12
Patents........................................................................................................................................12
Franchise........................................................................................................................................14
What’s your investment?...........................................................................................................14
What are your abilities?.............................................................................................................14
What are your goals?..................................................................................................................14
Marketing.......................................................................................................................................17
Manufacturing................................................................................................................................20
Quality...........................................................................................................................................24
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................26

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Bibliography..................................................................................................................................27

List of Figures

Figure 1 - Diagram showing Insulated Concrete Form...................................................................6

Figure 2 - Trinidad and Tobago IP Strategy..................................................................................10

Figure 3 - Primary Provisions Relevant to Addressing IP Protection...........................................16

Figure 4 - ICF Process and Equipment..........................................................................................20

Figure 5 - Production Specification of Logix ICF.........................................................................21

Figure 6 - ICF Certification...........................................................................................................22

Figure 7 - Limited Lifetime Warranty...........................................................................................23

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List of Tables

Table 1 - Deming's 14 Points.........................................................................................................24

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Introduction

K. D. Engineering Limited chose the design-build method during the procurement evaluation
process because it was the best option and obtained the highest score of 180. After the
procurement process was completed, a selection of a contractor was the next step.

Tendering was issued through an invitation to large construction firms than can facilitate the task
of constructing 100 single family unit houses with sustainability using Modern Methods of
Construction (MMC) with the design and life span to last a minimum of 30 years.

A sustainability report was done after the partnership between K.D. Engineering Ltd and the
awarded contractor providing ideas of existing MMC technology using green engineering. The
political factors influenced the completion of this project, however, but it can be used as a
positive also when implementing MMC to enhance the quality and speed of the project. Energy
efficiency is also a great factor to consider when using MMC materials or combined existing
materials strategically used changing the way or the world of construction.

The mentioned ideas of green engineering was agreed upon by both parties, guidelines and steps
are advised to the contractor when importing new technology into any country, in this case
Trinidad and Tobago. The need for introducing and using MMC Insulated Concrete Form (ICF)
will be appraised in a franchise report with fundamentals to show and establish a product
development policy and the ramifications of policies in areas such as Intellectual Property,
Marketing, Manufacturing and Quality when importing technology and establishing a franchise
to implement on this project.

Insulated Concrete Form are made from polystyrene or other materials that fit together like giant
Lego pieces, stacking to create a very efficient foundation envelope for an entire house. When
concrete hardens and cures inside the ICF the forms remain in place to provide insulation on both
the inside and outside walls. These walls are usually 4 to 12 inches thick, with regards to the
location in the world and its climate. In this case tropical weather in the Caribbean and the
Atlantic, the MMC will absorb the heat by the concrete and naturally move towards the cooler
interior side of the wall.

At night if the outside temperature falls below the indoor temperature then the heat absorbed in
the concrete will reverse direction and move to the cooler air outside. As a result, the interior of
the building receives less heat from the outside, reducing cooling loads.

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Product Development Policy
Figure 1 - Diagram showing Insulated Concrete Form
When considering to introduce ICF to the construction market firstly as an entrepreneur you will
consider how profitable it will be but also at the same time you will want to impact the industry
in a positive way. Either by faster delivery or by a more efficient way or to cut cost and energy
savings. For sure it is noted that the client or contractor are both customers when considering to
introduce a MMC in the construction industry but the contractor usually has the main
responsibility to provide the client with what is generally paid for and this is to deliver the
project until completion. A Product Development process follows the eight stages to productivity
and drive the product marketability upon introducing ICF.

Product Development Process

Stage 1: Idea Generation

This stage deals with the introduction of the idea or the search for a new method of constructing
walls faster but in a more efficient way. The SWOT analysis is a very useful tool for this stage.
The SWOT will analyze the product strengths by an internal assessment of the product attributes
that give it an advantage using the traditional old method of construction. Weaknesses of the
product will be opposite to the strengths but shows what it lacks compare to the traditional
method. Strengths and Weaknesses are internal factors that is, organization, its assets, processes,
and people while Opportunities and Threats are external factors, arising from your market, your
competition, and the wider economy. Basically the idea generation stage is to brainstorm an idea
that separates the MMC to the traditional way or older MMC competitors through enhanced
affordability and return of investment and reduced distribution costs.

Stage 2: Idea screening

Idea screening deals with the generated ideas about implementing ICF into the construction
market but sifting the good ideas ones from the not so good ones. This takes into account the
following factors:

 Your company’s strengths,

 Your company’s weaknesses,
 Customer needs,
 Current market trends,
 Expected/desired ROI,
 Affordability
 What your competitors are producing

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The purpose of the idea screening stage is to reduce that number of not so good ideas, to ensure
only profitable ideas are invested in (time, money and human resources).

Stage 3: Concept development & testing

From a feasible product development idea, multiple alternative concepts can be created and be
selected by your construction firm with the most suitable and detailed idea to target your
audience or market when implementing ICF. These concepts can vary by quality, price point,
features and comfort of use. Once the concept is developed it is tested with a sample target
consumer groups and the feedback provided is used to further develop the concept to better
improve on the customer needs and demands. The concept testing process enables your company
to quickly and economically gauge your focus towards this new product before spending large
sums of invested time, money and manpower on it.

Stage 4: Business strategy analysis & development

After the selection of the best concept a business and marketing strategy is now planned, it will
be an in-depth analysis of the methods used by your product management marketing and sales
teams to create and sell the product to its target construction end users. Some strategies used are
listed below:

 Your target market,

 Your new product’s planned value proposition
 Sales, market share and profit goals for the first few years following your new
product’s launch.
 Planned development, marketing, sales and distribution budgets
 Planned long-term product goals

Stage 5: Business & financial analysis

This stage is needed to ensure your contracting firm can afford to implement the business and
marketing strategies. Before approaching the development of your MMC product it is important
to analyze the remaining product concepts for business and financial potential implications. It is
recommended that your market analysis team examines the sales history of similar ICF products
and surveys the current market to determine current trends and truths and assess the range of risk
involved in your new product’s development. Along this long analytical process it pays off and
the more thorough your analysis processes are, the easier it will be for you to decide which
marketing and chosen brand of ICF, and other business strategies you can afford to adopt.

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Stage 6: Product development

The product development stage involves building a prototype or a limited production model
which includes the steps of product construction, usage testing, packaging branding and product
positioning. In your case the construction of an ICF room will be the prototype or limited model
for display for customers. Being a distributor or franchise bearer of your implemented idea if
successful the branding and packaging will be directly from the chosen ICF manufacturer. This
product idea can indeed function as a safe, effective and workable market offering. As such, it
might take your Research and Development Department (or external firm) some time, to
complete this new product development stage, depending on the product and prototype methods
used.

Stage 7: Test marketing

This stage involves displaying the actual ICF concept in hardware stores or construction
showrooms for sale in marketing setting and observing how well or how poor it persuades and
sell under the predetermined market plan. Here, customer feedback is necessary relying on the
actual observed consumer behavior accepting or rejecting. The goal of the test marketing stage of
the new product development process is to confirm on the entire concept behind the new product
before the full investment is made and ready the product for its imminent commercial launch.
The actual amount of test marketing needed can vary quite substantially with each new product.

Stage 8: Commercialization

Reaching to the commercialization stage can only be done once the other seven stages are
thoroughly analyzed and the product is well specified, advertised and the consumer needs are
further satisfied to move away of constructing using the traditional method and selecting the
MMC. Now it’s time to implement a full marketing plan and production process.

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IP Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property (IP) is property that is individually owned and were created by an inventor which
includes artistic work, designs, symbols, names and images used in commerce. Intellectual property
protection includes copyright, trademark, patent and design. There is legislation to legally protect product
or brand names, inventions, the design and look of a product and thing made, written or produced. The
official government or body responsible for intellectual property rights is situated in the United Kingdom
known as the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Intellectual property rights, are sovereign rights,
meaning they can only be granted by a state within its jurisdiction.

As an investor considering to introduce Insulated Concrete Forms to the construction market in Trinidad
and Tobago choosing from one of the ICF leading Brands as one of your engineering firm forms of
construction, property rights needs to be purchased that will require the specifications of design.

Figure 2 - Trinidad and Tobago IP Strategy

Having Intellectual property for a creation from the mind and is owned by you and either can be industrial
property or copyright. This can be an invention, literary and artistic works and symbols, names and
images used in commerce. Industrial Property includes patents for inventions, trademarks, industrial
designs and geographical indications. Whereas for copyright, this covers literary works (such as novels,
poems and plays), films, music, artistic works (e.g., drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures) and
architectural design. The idea of using an existing invention to manufacture its technology for the benefit
and upgrade of your business from the traditional way to use a modern method of construction has
guidelines, legislation to avoid any infringement to one’s product or copyright work. This is usually

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called Intellectual Property Rights which allow creators, or owners, of patents, trademarks or copyrighted
works to benefit from their own work or investment in a creation.

In 1883, IP was first recognized in the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
and in 1886 in the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. Both
treaties are administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Some
benefits for protecting intellectual property are: the progress and well-being of humanity rest on
its capacity to create and invent new works in the areas of technology and culture; the legal
protection of new creations encourages the commitment of additional resources for further
innovation and; the promotion and protection of intellectual property spurs economic growth,
creates new jobs and industries, and enhances the quality and enjoyment of life. Copyrights and
trademarks, patents must be granted by the USPTO before they become enforceable.

Copyright

Copyright is a right avoiding others from copying your work without the consent from you, this
applies to only work and not ideas. Copyright protects your intellectual property under the
Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988. Whether it may be drawings, diagrams, maps,
charts, plans, architectural works, blueprints, BIM models, technical design documents,
renderings, elevations and even constructed buildings themselves. Copyright extends for the
lifetime of the creator, and a further 70 years from the end of the year in which they died. It is an
automatic right that does not have to be registered, however it may require proof of who created
the work and when. This can simply be a matter of record keeping, however, the use of
the copyright symbol, name and date can be useful in avoiding confusion, and the possibility of a
person who infringes copyright arguing that they were unaware of the infringement.

Copyright resides with the architect or engineer and if they are employed it remains with the
practice that employs them. If the drawings is owned and copyright by the employee, the
employer too has to protect himself or themselves deciding if the private work be allowed or if it
will breech any terms of employment. So the copyright will remain with the creator not with
the client, unless the appointment agreement states otherwise. RIBA Standard
Form of Agreement generally give the client a license to use the design for the purposes it was
intended provided that it relates to the site, or part of the site to which the design relates, and
provided that any fees due have been paid.

In Trinidad and Tobago registration is not required under the Copyright Act to obtain Copyright
protection. Copyright protection is automatic. No formalities are required as a precondition for
obtaining copyright protection. It is not necessary to use the Copyright notice. The use of the
word “copyright” is enough. It is however useful to use the © followed by your name and date to
indicate when it was created and by whom. At an international level, the World Intellectual
Property Organization is involved in the ongoing debate to help shape new standards for
copyright protection in cyberspace. In that regard, the Organization administers the WIPO
Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, known as the “Internet
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Treaties”. Trinidad and Tobago acceded to both the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO
Performances and Phonograms Treaty on November 28, 2008.

Trademarks

Trademarks are source identifiers, The Lanham Act purposefully describes the universe of things
that can qualify as a trademark in the broadest of terms, defining trademarks to include “any
word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination thereof." Contractors, subcontractors,
owners, design professionals and material suppliers also may face many issues related to
trademarks. Like copyrights, a registration is not required for trademark rights to arise, but
registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) confers additional rights.

Trademark rights arise via use of the mark in commerce in association with goods or services.
Construction companies mostly use the last name of the original owner/s, it is important to know
that a trademark which is “primarily merely a surname” is considered a generally weak mark and
additional proof may be required to register and/or enforce such a trademark. It also is important
to note that trademarks can be infringed in many ways and that indirect infringement can be
established against third parties through contributory, vicarious, or inducement of infringement.

The law relating to trademarks in Trinidad and Tobago can be found in the Trade Marks Act
Chap 82:81. The applicant must first complete a Trademark Application form and file it at the
Intellectual Property Office (IPO) together with the prescribed fee. Trademarks are usually
published in a daily newspaper to allow parties to oppose the trademark application within three
months of its publication if such is required. After the expiry of the three-month period, if no op-
positions were received, the Certificate of Registration is issued upon payment of the Certificate
Fee. Section 23 of the Act provides that when an application for registration of a trade mark has
been accepted and has not been opposed and the time for notice of opposition has expired or hav-
ing been opposed the opposition has been decided in favor of the applicant, the IPO office will
register the trade mark. A trade mark registration lasts for a period of ten years. It may be re-
newed by the owner upon paying the prescribed renewal fee.

Patents

A patent is similar to a temporary monopoly in the United States (or other countries in which
they are granted) to make, use, or sell a patented machine, article of manufacture, process,
method or other patentable invention. Patent law may be at the forefront of the intellectual
property regime in many industries, but most franchisors do not rely as much on patent
ownership as part of their IP arsenal as they do their primary trademark and the core “trade
secrets” and other “proprietary” information that comprise the System licensed to their respective
franchisee. Unlike copyrights and trademarks, patents must be granted by the USPTO before
they become enforceable.

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There are many patents related to the construction industry, including construction processes,
equipment, materials and even business methods. Patent infringement litigation can be very
expensive from both an attorneys’ fees perspective and a potential damages perspective.

Therefore, it is recommended that indemnification and defense costs are handled contractually at
the beginning of the construction project. Once the patent expires, the disclosed innovation
becomes part of the public domain, remains free for public consumption and use, and then is no
longer susceptible to charges of patent infringement by the patent holder. To obtain a patent, an
inventor must first file an application in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
describing the invention. There are three (3) distinct patents that can be applied for:

 Utility Patent: Protects how an invention works and includes inventions and
functionality; this is the most commonly granted and sought after patent.
 Design Patent: Protects how an invention or other item looks, including ornamental
designs.
 Plant Patent: Very specific protection for newly-established asexually reproduced plant
species.

Patent legislation is enforce in Trinidad and Tobago: The Patents Act, 1996, (Act No. 21 of
1996).The Patents Rules, 1996. The required forms are in the Rules. International Treaties to
which Trinidad and Tobago is a party, related to patents, are:

 The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883). Trinidad and
Tobago joined on 1st August 1964.
 The Patent Corporation Treaty (PCT) (1970). Trinidad and Tobago joined on 10th
March 1994.
 The Strasbourg Agreement concerning the International Patent Classification (1971).
Trinidad and Tobago joined on the 20th December 1996.
 The Budapest Treaty of the International Recognition of the Deposit of
Microorganisms for the Purpose of Patent Procedure (1977). Trinidad and Tobago
joined on 10th March 1994.

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Franchise

What experience do you have as a business owner or manager? Before you invest in a particular
franchise system, you have to honestly think about how much money you have to invest, your
abilities and your goals and ask yourself or partnership these intriguing questions about how
possible it can be. Viewing the market for the options that exist and what options are available
for an upgrade in technology is necessary. One of the options that is considered is ICF Blocks
which is a smart way of building walls and adding strength and insulation for all kinds of
weather in the world and constructing it faster and wasting less material. Some of the leading
manufactures and leading brands of ICF that were researched and considered are; Council of ICF
Industries (CICFI) members (USA):

• Logix
• Nudura
• Quad-Lock Building Systems
• SuperForm Products

What’s your investment?

• How much money do you have to invest?
• How much money can you afford to lose?
• Are you purchasing the franchise alone or with partners?
• Do you need financing? Where will you get it? What’s your credit rating and credit
score?
• Do you have savings or additional income to live on until your franchise opens and,
you hope, becomes profitable?

What are your abilities?

• Does the franchise require technical experience or special training or education for
example, auto repair, home and office decorating or tax preparation?
• What special skills can you bring to this business?
•

What are your goals?

• What are your reasons for buying a particular franchise?
• Do you need a specific minimum annual income?
• Do you want to work in a particular field?
• Are you interested in retail sales or performing a service?
• How many hours can you work? How many are you willing to work?

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 • Do you intend to operate the business yourself or hire a manager?
• Will franchise ownership be your main source of income or a supplement to your
current income?
• Are you in this for the long term?
• Would you like to own several outlets?
• Are you willing to let the franchisor be your boss?

By asking the above questions you will be a successful businessman in the construction industry
and your concept of buying a franchise is an attractive option being the owner but you must
agree to certain rules and regulations put forth by the franchisor in addition to the various
regional and federal license and tax obligations that you must maintain. These guidelines and
statutory regulations not only protect the franchisor or the franchisee but mainly the reputation of
the business money making machine which is the franchise. Intellectual Property protection
against misused are among the most important concerns of the franchisor. The franchise
agreement will usually contain provisions which allow the franchisee to use the various
trademarks without competing with anyone other than the other franchisees. If the intellectual
property of the franchise is not protected, competitors may be able to use the franchisor’s

intellectual property. Intellectual Property Issues for Franchisors and Franchisees are listed
below:

• Trademark Protection
• Business name registration
• Protection of Image and appearance (including phone numbers and contact details)
• Confidentiality Agreements

Infrastructure for the approved franchise

Typically, franchises require you to choose a site that's pre-approved by the franchisor. The
franchisor knows from experience which types of locations work best for the business and
requires you to stick within their guidelines when it comes to site selection. The appearance of
the store also must fit with the franchisor regulations. The franchisor may have rules regarding
seasonal changes and periodic renovations you must make to retain the franchise license.

Operations for the approved franchise

You must sign an agreement to follow the operations policies of the franchise to ensure
consistency within the chain. You are restricted on the types of products and services you can

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offer and must stick to the approved plan provided by the franchisor. The home office often
regulates marketing materials, signage, employee uniforms and bookkeeping procedures. You
mostly likely will be a part of a company-wide intranet that is available to the home office to
track your sales.

Territories to operate fir the approved franchise

You must follow rules and regulations regarding additional locations for future expansion. A
master franchise license usually allows you to open additional locations within a geographical
territory. According to the Bureau of Consumer Protection, you may be restricted from operating
your own website so as not to compete with locations in bordering territories and the home
office. The franchisor on the other hand, may reserve the right to sell directly to your customers
within your territory.

Local Ordinances for the approved franchise

You are responsible for obtaining building and occupancy permits within your own region. Local
ordinances that may govern your type of business must be followed. Fines and permit fees
typically are your responsibility. If you need a license to operate in a certain area, it's up to you
to file for the necessary papers. You also assume the risk. Loans you take out to open the
franchise are your obligation.

Figure 3 - Primary Provisions Relevant to Addressing IP Protection

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Marketing

Using the two methodologies in your marketing strategy can improve your construction company
existing processes and the idea of introducing a new way of construction away from the
traditional way creating a new process or product designs that will result in a more predictable,
mature and defect free performance. Introducing Six Sigma can improve your marketing strategy
with ideas and correction. Six Sigma marketing is defined as a fact based data driven disciplined
approach to growing market share by providing targeted product/markets with superior value. It
enables companies to improve the marketing’s strategic, tactical and operational processes as a
way to enhance the top line to drive revenue. By applying Six Sigma to marketing you can
develop a lean efficient marketing workflow, identify leading indicators of growth and become
proactive about performance improvement. Six Sigma differs from traditional quality
improvement programs in its focus on input variables. Six Sigma has two methodologies
DMAIC and DMADV.

DMAIC includes:

• Define roles, goals, and deliverables consistent with customer demands and the
organization’s strategy.
• Measure current performance and processes, and collect relevant data for future
comparison and improvement.
• Analyze the relationship and causality factors.
• Improve the process to eliminate defects.
• Control and correct any variances before they result in defects and thereby improve
performance.

DMADV include:

• Define the goals of the design activity.

• Measure and identify the critical quality, product/process capabilities.
• Analyze to develop and design alternatives to determine the best design.
• Design the process.
• Verify the design.

For the success of the franchise and its possibilities of implementing it before using the Six
Sigma marketing strategy a survey will be used for the public opinion introducing ICF. The
client will inquire about the benefits of this MMC using ICF in his construction project and what
effect it can have impacting the project.

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Several questions will be asked by the end users, clients or by consumers about ICF and its
advantages and disadvantages, these are listed below.

1. Q. What does an ICF Home look like when it is finished?

A. An ICF Home looks like any conventional new home on the inside and on the
outside. The window sills are deeper since the walls are thicker. Very few people
can tell the difference between ICF construction and other types of construction.

2. Q. How do I know what equipment and manpower I will need in order to build an
ICF Home?

A. You can get a good idea of what is required as far as tools, equipment and
manpower is necessary by reading a Technical Manual about ICF Construction,
which we will be happy to provide for you. You may also feel free to call our
office and arrange to send your house plans to us for a free, no-obligation material
and labor estimate.

3. Q. How long do we need to wait after placing the concrete to back-fill or put floor
and roof systems onto the ICF Walls?

A. You should wait a minimum of seven days and follow guidelines set by your
structural engineer.

4. Q. What kind of siding can be used on ICF Systems?

A. Virtually any conventional exterior finish can be used with an ICF System.
Proper planning should be considered. Check your technical manual for details.

5. Q. Can we use stucco on Insulating Concrete Forms?

A. Yes. Any type of stucco can be applied directly to the EPS Forms.

6. Q. We would like to build our house ourselves. Can we buy an ICF System and
install it?

A. Yes. You can install an ICF Building System by yourself. You should, however,
employ an ICF Contractor to assist you with the concrete placement activities.

7. Q. Do you have to use special plans for an ICF System?

A. No. Conventional house plans can be used. You must simply have the exterior
wall thickness increased to show the ICF Wall.

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8. Q. How tall can you build with an ICF Building System?

A. A structural engineer should design buildings constructed with an ICF Building

System, but the sky is the limit.

9. Q. Do ICF Walls sweat?

A. No. EPS Form is a poor conductor of heat and cold. Therefore, water vapor that
may be present in the structure will not condense on the walls.

10. Q. Will termites eat the EPS Form?

A. No. Termites do not eat the EPS Form. Termites will, however, burrow through
the Form to get to wood.

11. Q. Which ties are better – plastic or metal?

A. Today’s plastics offer strength, durability and lower thermal conductivity than
metals, so plastic is the best choice in an ICF System.

12. Q. Can the concrete being placed in ICF Forms be mechanically vibrated?

A. Yes, most ICF Forms are engineered to withstand the rigors of internal vibration.
“Patting” or “tapping” the exterior of the forms is not an effective method of
concrete vibration.

13. Q. Do the ICF Blocks give off unfriendly gases?

A. ICF Blocks are inert, non-toxic and do not give off unfriendly gases’.

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Manufacturing

Modern ICFs use two types of materials to create the forms which are left in place to provide
insulation and disaster resistance. The first component of ICFs is Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
form that make the insulating panels. The form panels hold in the concrete during the pour and
provide high insulation after the home is built. The second component is Polypropylene plastic
webs which bridge the two panels together and provide screw and attachment points for bracing
and alignment and attaching finishes to the walls such as stucco, EIFS, brick, siding, on the
outside and sheetrock or plaster on the inside. Expanded Polystyrene forms are produced using
blowing agents that form bubbles and expand the form. The ICF Webs are loaded into specially
designed molds. The two pieces of this mold will lock together and the very light form beads will
flow into the mold. Hot steam is then pumped into the mold and the beads rapidly expand and
stick together. After just a few minutes the mold separates and the finished block is pushed out.
ICFs are one of the cleanest materials to manufacture. The beads are expanded using only steam,
any extra beads can be recovered and recycled. Most form molding facilities have very little
waste.

The ICF blocks are closely inspected to ensure they meet strict quality standards. They are then
interlocked together, stacked in bundles, and packaged for storage and transport. These ICF
blocks will continue to dry for the next few days and are now ready for use in your next building
project. One of the greatest benefits of ICF blocks is they are very light weight. Each ICF weighs
roughly 7 pounds. One ICF takes the place of 6 concrete masonry unites, CMU’s, or cinder
blocks. And each cinder block weighs 35 pounds each. ICFs are so easy to move around even the
youngest construction helpers can do it. There are a different number of forms in bundles based
on the type of form and the size of the block, but most all ICFs are packaged in 4-foot x 4-foot x
4-foot cubes. This makes it very easy to store them in the warehouse, load and transport as well
as unload and move around your jobsite.

Figure 4 - ICF Process and Equipment

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Figure 5 - Production Specification of Logix ICF

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Figure 6 - ICF Certification

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Figure 7 - Limited Lifetime Warranty

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Quality

For your franchise to succeed quality products and services is essential for the benefit of your
firm and reputation. Also good quality service can bring more business from satisfied customers
and they will spread the word and advertise for you. Long term success does not come in the
form of more franchise sales, but it is achieved through core philosophies which is directed to
insight management and development of franchise systems. Philosophies can drive your
franchise system to greatness, one should become familiar with the late Dr. W. Edwards Deming,
known as the father of the Japanese post-war industrial revival. He was regarded by many as the
leading management guru in the United States.

Deming’s 14 points philosophy have inspired significant changes among a number of leading
companies striving to compete in the world’s increasingly competitive environment. The name
Total Quality Management (TQM) was given by the U.S. Navy in 1985 (Walton 1993). TQM
has been widely used in different organizations, particularly in the manufacturing industry. It
posed a challenge for many firms to figure out how to apply them in a meaningful way that will
result in continual improvement. These points can apply anywhere, to small organizations as
well as to large ones, to the service industry as well as to manufacturing. These points are and are
explained how you can apply them to set up your franchise.

A structured survey has been conducted targeted to major construction industry stakeholders.
From the results, it has been found that although most companies have their quality goals, their
systems and processes do not completely relate to Deming’s 14 points. So construction
companies are recommended to relate their quality implementation ideas with Deming’s 14
points in order to achieve Total Quality Management to the maximum extent. Deming’s 14 points are
illustrated in the table below.

Table 1 - Deming's 14 Points

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From a survey carried out with project managers, engineers, construction managers (The sample
was not in one particular construction sector but spanned across the following: commercial,
retail, residential, and public works) and superintendents researchers have found out when
applying Deming’s action plan to the construction needs to change the following to bring greater
success and continuity, these include:

• Construction organizations need to make changes in the conventional management

system, it is appreciable in that they are in the process, but ultimately its better they
make changes in management.
• Sitting back satisfied with the long term customer would not be advisable, but should
take care that they would not become stale in providing services better than their best.
Also there might be other reasons for recurrence of the customer like customer not
interested in researching for a new contractor.
• Customers criteria of selecting a company might be not going through new research
• It’s not only the responsibility of the department of quality control to maintain quality
but should be part and parcel of each employee’s job. The supervision and quality
assurance of the process is also important rather than just the final product.
• Companies should understand that implementation of TQM would reduce the cost.
• There is a new concept coming up “learning organizations” where the companies
provide frequent training and retraining to their employees. It is recommended that
the companies qualify as a learning organization.
• Managers should understand that as a leader they are supposed to provide help and to
facilitate their employees with appropriate equipment and materials.
• In changing situations, companies should facilitate their employees with proper
information about the change and leaders should be capable of driving out their fear
through effective communication. When employees are well informed, they will be
confident about their position and there will be a smooth makeover.
• The management needs to break down barriers and find ways for effective interaction
especially on construction sites.
• The appraisal system should be in such a way that everyone in the team can use their
right to pride on their own workmanship. Management should avoid individual
appraisal so as to check the aggressive or depressive situations amongst employees.
• The companies encouraging education for employees exhibit their adherence to
continuous improvement.

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Conclusion

It is shown from the study that a modern method in the construction of the 100 Single Family
Unit houses can not only benefit the client, the engineering team, you the contractor, the families
who will occupy these homes and the franchisor but mostly the environment mitigating the use
of Green House Gasses. Considering to expand your construction business by devising way for
expansion using a MMC is an excellent choice and direction not for only profit but for continuity
of business.

It has been shown in Trinidad and Tobago and in the world the simplified ways of construction
and beneficial but still of having the western thinking solid is stronger. In this study it is clearly
shown than Insulated Concrete Form may not only have better R-values to withstand
temperatures in the Caribbean but it can last the expected lifespan.

In the thought of expansion franchising is a great direction to head for your company by
indirectly upgrading your way of building, introducing the benefits in our third world region and
climate. Following the rules of a franchisor can also benefit your existing firm in the event of
expansion from the education of the product development process to generate an idea of your
own, Applying Intellectual Property procedures to copyright your design, trademark your slogan
and idea for you new construction design or service and patent if you start a franchise of your
own for anyone who try to steal your idea for their free benefit. The procedure and stencil of
marketing your idea or the introducing it to the market are strategically explained using six
sigma. And applying Deming’s 14 points can only lead your company to great success once
followed and not shortcut.

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