The need for research and planning before taking a new type of construction work is wellrecognized by contractors. What is very often underestimated is the entrance cost--the costsassociated with the learning period during which an organization adjusts to performing a newtype of construction work. Hiring a person who knows the new type of work inside and out maynot be enough. Companies often complete one or more losing jobs before they can execute a newtype of construction profitably. Unfortunately, some companies do not survive this change.