Ole Jonny Klakegg

Governance frameworks for public project development and estimation

This paper investigates how the interface between governance and project management works for public projects. It describes governance frameworks, analyzes embedded governance principles, and discusses the consequences. Based on an initial literature study giving theoretical underpinning, a characterization of frameworks is developed and used to investigate three public-investment-project governance frameworks in Norway and the United Kingdom. This gives a systematic comparison of framework scope, structure, and embedded principles, and shows the differences between the frameworks and elements, despite the stated purposes being the same: increasing value for money and better use of public spending. The analysis shows the frameworks have to be politically and administratively well anchored. A case study particularly looking into cost and time illustrates how the framework influences the project through scrutiny. The analysis shows the governance frameworks are important in securing transparency and control and clarifies the role of sponsor. This work will be useful in establishing frameworks in other contexts and should be helpful in working with governance of major public projects.

Identifying and Acting on Early Warning Signs in Complex Projects

We consider identification of early warning signs (EWS) in projects. Project professionals are not good at detecting or acting on EWS. Barriers that lead to this are identified. The nature of EWS and their detection change with the evolving situation. Project assessments, typically part of gateways, are useful in identifying EWS connected to the formalities of the project. As complexity increases, assessments have more limited use, and the project is increasingly dependent on detecting EWS by informal “gut feeling.” Thus, knowledge, experience, and communication skills are increasingly important in complex situations. We conclude with a list of early warning signs.

Governance of major public investment projects: in pursuit of relevance and sustainability

Governance of Major Public Investment Projects : In Pursuit of Relevance and Sustainability

Governance of Public Investment Projects in Ethiopia

The purpose of this article is to map and review the governance of public investment projects in Ethiopia and to identify the most important front-end challenges of public investment projects in the country. The research focuses on the front-end governance of major construction projects. The findings of the research indicate that the top-down project approach, lack of mandatory control gateways at the front-end project preparation and decision-making stages, and weak links between project stakeholders affected the effectiveness of the project governance system. In additon to this, the most important factors that could affect the relevance and sustainability of public investment projects are identified.

An empirical illustration of public project ownership

This paper studies different aspects of project ownership in public projects. First, project ownership and project governance are discussed. We find that literature on project management tends to assume that one organisation has the characteristics of an owner. A review of seven public projects shows that the characteristics of project ownership are spread between several different organisations. Based on these results, we challenge the stereotype of a single project owner. In an attempt to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of project ownership, the paper introduces a framework for description and analysis of project owner roles on strategic and tactical levels. The descriptive model for project ownership offers an improved definition of the owner role, by defining the most important owner functions on both strategic and tactical levels. We also point out the interfaces with other project roles. We have tested the framework on public and private sector cases and conclude that the model can be applied on both types of projects. The model appears transferable to other countries and government models than the Norwegian one alone, even though some adaptations may be necessary. Some potential further developments are suggested.

Governing value creation in construction project: a new model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how the concepts of business models and project governance can enhance value creation in building projects. Design/methodology/approach Based on theory derived from management literature, the authors outline a framework combining a project’s business case and governance functions with the business model of the design team. This was tested in two major projects and evaluated in three expert workshops. Findings The research reveals that the business model of the design team focus on efficiency rather than on the client’s strategic objectives. This entails a need for project governance functions. The framework presented shows promising capability of aligning the project with client strategy. The authors believe there is significant value in transferring these ideas and knowledge across national boundaries. Practical implications The research identifies a gap between business objectives and outcome. The value creation approach in the client organisation diminishes into the way project governance is implemented in some projects. The conceptual framework provides the industry with a new tool for improving its knowledge and practice. Originality/value First governance model derived from strategy theory that combines strategy and governance in one holistic model.

Good and simple – a dilemma in analytical processes?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the transfer of experiences to improve the basis for overcoming the dilemma of trying to achieve analyses and systems that are both good and simple. The quality of decisions relating to projects depends on how well the assumed basis for the project actually fit the reality of the situation in which the consequences occur. Good value and cost estimations support good decisions about projects insofar as the assumptions on which they are based mirror the reality, and the decision makers can understand the analysis.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a longitudinal case study and qualitative analysis. Data relating to a large number of cases have become available to the authors through many years of research and consulting activities. Through joint experience and discussion the patterns are analysed. This paper is descriptive with respect to the challenges and empirical examples. The analysis itself ends with a rather normative conclusion.Findings – ...

Linking Policies to Projects: The Key to Identifying the Right Public Investment Projects

This article reviews the merits of project governance in linking policies to projects and focuses on public investment projects in African countries. In this region, every year, huge sums of money are spent on public investment projects. It is relevant to ask whether the objectives of these projects are set and fulfilled according to the needs and priorities of the target group, or whether they are consistent with the development policies of governments in the target countries. After examining different conceptual and contextual literatures, the authors provide a project governance model to link policies to projects, a checklist for good project governance, and an outline of factors that could affect the project governance implementation.

Evaluating Sustainability of Building Projects in Urban Planning

Abstract If building projects are going to be sustainable in the future, we need to use sustainability as a criterion for choice of concepts. The evaluation of projects needs to address more aspects than just the properties of single buildings. In this paper, the new evaluation model NTNU SBPis presented, for the evaluation of the whole urban planning situationincluding the neighbourhood and the transport infrastructure. The model has the potential to help practitioners achieve better results in terms of real sustainability in urban planning. The successful use of the NTNU SBP model may lead to more conscious choices in urban planning and a more sustainable community.

Project Evaluation: Accomplishments, Shortfalls, and Lessons Learned in Housing Development Projects in Ethiopia

AbstractPublic investment projects are implemented by many countries to meet increasing demands for public services. However, the success rate of such projects is often debated, and what is considered successful by one party may not be considered successful by another, even in the case of elements within the same project. Literature has paid much attention to independent project evaluation because evaluation is an important source of evidence of results and generates knowledge. The purpose of the present case study is to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, sustainability, and effects of housing development projects in Ethiopia in order for lessons learned to be drawn on in the selection, design, and implementation of future projects, particularly those in Ethiopia. An independent evaluation is conducted using integrated Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) evaluation criteria, and a number of findings are identified. Qualitative and quantitative evidences are triangula...