Summary
This paper has drawn together and deepened knowledge of how large high-tech projects may be conditioned (beyond a priori mechanistic attributes) to improve response in the face of inevitable setbacks and unexpected events. The new insights drawn have value for early stage mega-project planners to improved conditions for achieving project success. Recent literature was examined, complemented by relevant field casework.
Nine resilience factors were grouped as:
(a) Attitudinal
- Realistic, fact based
- A lessons-learned culture
- Ambiguity/uncertainty tolerant
(b) Conditioning
- Mission and success clearly defined
- Clear reporting and decision structures
- Strong information control
- Risk preparedness
- External environmental awareness
- Mission assurance role implemented
These factors were tested against three large high-tech (science /engineering/IT) projects to determine their relevance and value in framing early-stage adjustments to typical and contemporary high-tech mega-projects. Commonalities were reviewed, and these served as the basis for the general conclusions.
I hope that these observations extracted from previous project experiences will assist you in improving the rate of project successes in your future projects.
Dr. Phil Crosby
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Conclusions and Discussion