This is an in-depth look at how to improve decisions on major projects at the concept stage, when there is scant information available. The book describes how to evaluate judgemental information. It looks at how scant information can actually be a strength, and can help establish a broad overall perspective.

"Focusing on turning an initial idea into a project with a successful outcome, this book fills a gap in current literature on project management and is thoroughly grounded in the latest research in this field. It emphasizes the practical application of decision making based on qualitative and judgmental information"--

Large projects are complex undertakings representing major investments. Often problems arise because of failure at the start of a project in terms of establishing governance, choosing the appropriate concept, analyzing the proposal and environment, and maximizing the utility of the investment, all within complex and political decision-making structures. As a result, many projects fail even though they were implemented successfully, simply because the project concept was wrong. While attention has been paid to project execution, this area is under represented in literature. However, considerable advances have been made, both practical and in putting the behaviour and management of major projects on a proper theoretical basis. This volume therefore provides a resume of the state of this domain. It is a guide for practitioners, decision-makers and their advisors, as well as students. It takes a narrow view of the project, widening to place it within the organization, then the organizational nexus, and finally the political environment, to give a holistic view on how bad ideas can be avoided and good ideas developed into successful projects.

Provides essential insight into what it takes to turn an initial idea into a project with successful outcome in the long term. Fills a gap in current literature on project management and is thoroughly grounded in the latest research in this field.

Focusing on turning an initial idea into a project with a successful outcome, this book fills a gap in current literature on project management and is thoroughly grounded in the latest research in this field. It emphasizes the practical application of decision making based on qualitative and judgmental information.

An in-depth look at how to improve decisions on major projects at the concept stage, when there is scant information available. This book describes how to evaluate judgemental information. It looks at how scant information can actually be a strength, and can help establish a broad overall perspective.