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Project Management Strategies for Complex Projects

Overview

Infrastructure needs within the United States have changed from building new facilities to replacing, expanding, or renewing existing facilities. The project management issues involved with infrastructure renewal are different from the issues for new construction. Correspondingly, new project management approaches must be integrated into mainstream practice for all sizes and types of projects to accelerate project delivery, reduce project costs, and minimize project disputes.

The difficulties of renewal project complexity have been exacerbated by years of underfunded maintenance and replacement programs. As a result many renewal projects have become even more challenging because of the need to avert major traffic disruptions and in some cases infrastructure failures. Project complexity is introduced by many factors: project types, engineering complexity, size, modality, jurisdictional control, financing approach, contract type, and delivery method. Each project calls for a distinct project management style and approach.

The five-dimensional approach for project management of complex projects is not a new subject. However, it is extensively developed, outlined, and clearly mapped for acceptance and integration within this report. The five dimensions are cost, schedule, technical, context, and finance. Successful use of the approach involves five methods which are unique for each project:

  • Define project success factors by each dimension, as required;
  • Assemble project team;
  • Select project arrangements;
  • Prepare early cost model and finance plan; and
  • Develop project action plans.

Source Organization Location

Washington
,
DC

Publishing Organization

SHRP2 Program

Document Downloads

Prime Contractor
Institute for Transportation, Iowa State University and Colorado State University
Issue Date
Publication Number
S2-R10-RW-1
ISBN Number
978-0-309-12970-1