Megaprojects are the world’s most complex projects, which are often developed by public and private entities to address societal needs. These projects notoriously difficult to manage given several dimensions affecting complexity, resulting in common delays and significant over-budgets.
IPMA Megaprojects Special Interest Group members have access to the latest academic and industrial thinking about the management of megaprojects as we bring together experts to advance understanding of the best practices in the area.
SIG Global Head
Director MBA Major Infrastructure Delivery
The biggest debate about megaprojects is about the common cost overruns, what causes them and how to avoid with smarter practices.
There is one school of thought with arguments that the main problem is the estimation of costs before the project start, we need therefore to improve our competencies in forecasting.
Another school of thought argues that given the longevity of such projects (often more than seven years), the delivery phase hides several problems that might increase the final cost. We need, therefore, to improve our understanding of what is going wrong during this phase and improve our strategies and practices to deal with the potential risk.
The Megaprojects SIG advocates for a systemic understanding of the problems and solutions, incorporating all debates and presenting events to advance the understanding of megaproject delivery.
The large majority of megaprojects are classified as infrastructure (airports, ports, railway, bridges). We are members of the project management community, managers delivering megaprojects, and also major and large-scale projects, all of whom benefit from more sophisticated discussion and networking.
We engage with policymakers, and students attend from all continents (mainly MSc and PhD levels).
Why join?
By joining SIG Megaprojects, you:
- gain the access to expertise, resources (such as research papers, case studies or other relevant publications), and a network of experts who can provide valuable insights and advice on various aspects of megaprojects management
- can attend congerences, workshops and other events on to learn about the newest trends and best practices in the field
- network with people with similar intersts
- play an active role in advancing the field
