Large-scale projects such as airport terminals, power plants, stadiums, and performing arts venues often cost more than what’s advertised and very often don’t deliver what is promised by public officials when they announce their big project. There are a lot of reasons for why big things come in over budget and often later than promised. Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner uncover some of the secrets to how successful projects can be executed on time and within budget in their entertaining book How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project, From Home Renovations to Space Exploration and Everything In Between.
This book dives into what drives the success and ability of the project to be completed on time. According to the authors, less than one half of one percent of major projects are completed on time and within budget. Based on this statistic, it’s pretty easy to see that failure to plan properly and account for a slew of potential factors is planning to fail.
The authors offer eleven rules of thumb at the end of the book to help in decision making. The most important rules include asking “why” and ensuring that the team of people involved in a major project is right. The best projects have well-functioning teams that can work through disputes and perform to goals and standards. Teamwork and proper planning go a long way and How Big Things Get Done offers plenty of sound advice for projects of all sizes.
MY RATING - 4.5
