Developing strategies and philosophies early for successful project implementation

In today’s competitive environment, project managers are faced with ever increasing demands for compressed schedules, minimum costs, quality construction and safe plant. There is also an increased tendency to award work on a turnkey basis in view of the individual responsibility entailed. The engineering contractor is required to face very large risks in terms of finance and reputation, yet cannot expect handsome profits because of cut-throat competition and market conditions. The revolution in microcomputer technology and the development of advanced database software packages and computer-aided design have greatly enhanced management capabilities, but at the same time these techniques require large investments. Under these circumstances, the single most important factor for achieving success is the early development of major project strategies and philosophies. In this paper, an attempt is made to cover various issues related to project strategies and philosophies. An unorthodox approach is adopted by taking a sample project and gradually developing project strategies and philosophies with side discussions on major issues of importance.