complex projects - carolyn limbert
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TRANSCRIPT
Complex Projects
“I think the 21st century will be the century of complexity”
(Hawking, 2000)
Carolyn Limbert, Principal Planner, Harmonic Ltd, November 2013
What is Complex?
Making Mayonnaise? Building a Jumbo Jet?
What is Complex?
COMPLEX
Aircraft Carrier – Complicated or Complex?
Back to BasicsNew view on PM
Technical
CostSchedule
Technical
Schedule Cost
Context Financing
(Strategic Highway Research Program, 2012)
“The intrinsic complexity of projects, in part, is driven by political, social, technological and environmental issues, as well as tight fiscal pressures, end user expectations which may change dramatically during the life of a project, and government instability.” (ICCPM, 2012)
Complex Projects(Remington, 2011)
Processes are clearThings go to plan
Risk events escalate rapidlyInnovation & learning high
Complicated Complex
Simple, best practice leadership
Expert based consultative leadership
Experimental, collaborative leadership
Crisis leadership, directive, rapid action to prevent collapse
Tipping point: usually no way
back
Control Chaos
Complex Projects
Adapted from; (Dombkins, 1997)
Scope: WHATObjectives are to be
achieved
Delivery: HOWTo implement objectives
Low Uncertainty
HighUncertainty
Low Uncertainty
Initiation
Concept
Definition
Mobilisation
Implementation
Closure
Complex Projects
Adapted from; (Dombkins, 1997)
Scope: WHATObjectives are to be
achieved
Delivery: HOWTo implement objectives
Low Uncertainty
HighUncertainty
Low Uncertainty
Closure
InitiationConceptDefinitionMobilisation
Implementation
Can we control Complexity?
● Do we create complex projects?• Poorly defined objectives• Ambiguity• Scope creep
● Do PMs need to manage projects differently to lower project complexity?
● Are projects truly complex or just complicated?
