When reading Bent Flyvbjerg’s CV, it is impossible not to notice just how rich and varied it is. Two professorships simultaneously, published books in a variety of translations, many awards won, a Danish Knighthood and policies and techniques implemented in countries all over the world.Currently, Bent is the first BT professor and chair of Major Programme Management here in the UK at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. He is also the founding Director of Oxford’s BT Centre for Major Programme Management.Bent has played consultant to governments, regulators, corporations, the EU...
In the last 10 to 15 years, the concept of sustainability has grown in recognition and importance. The pressure on companies to consider sustainability not as a reputation enhancing statement, but as an integrated aspect of business and business value, is increasing. Awareness seems to be growing that a change of mindset is needed, both in consumer behaviour as in corporate policies. How can we develop prosperity without compromising the life of future generations?In today’s world, the dominant model of production is that of taking natural resources from the earth in order to produce and use...
We are currently in a dilemma on planet Earth. We are rapidly using up our resources, such as oil and water, much faster than they can be replaced. At the same time our population continues to grow exponentially. We are also seeing the impacts of these changes on our weather systems, biodiversity, global health, financial and socio-economic systems. In many ways, our future on the planet will depend on how well we deal with this emerging global crisis.Will the answer lie in the development of still to be discovered technologies, or new economic and political systems? No. The answer lies in...
One of the biggest sustainability challenges for project managers the world over, is the modernisation of buildings that were constructed in an age when the environment wasn’t a top priority. With rising energy costs and widespread interest in reducing carbon emissions, the environmental focus on buildings has intensified in recent years. Nowhere is this more evident than in New York, where the buildings create 80 per cent of the city's entire carbon footprint. To address the problem, a programme is under way to transform the city’s carbon landscape – starting with the...
Project management firms involved in the successful delivery of the Olympic Park are now able to advertise their part in the programme’s success.Firms are now free to advertise their accomplishments after officials lifted the strict marketing rules on Monday. Previously, only businesses that had paid for sponsorship rights were permitted to promote their involvement with the Games.Now, companies involved in Olympic projects are now able to apply for a free license to advertise. Sir John Armitt, chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and winner of the Sir Monty Finniston Award 2012,...
Winston Churchill once said “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”. “Change often,” it sounds simple enough. As project managers we change projects all of the time – deliver, reset and go again. But are we edging toward perfection by changing our delivery often enough?It is easy to improve against poor results of the past, especially if they are not your own. But changing the way in which we deliver by embracing the best elements of successful projects of the past, is surely the only way we can truly achieve perfection. If you have come on to a project and made the change...
Foundation work has commenced on Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Tower, which is to become the first building to exceed one kilometre in height. Project looks at how the building stands against other colossal constructions.The Shard, London, UK - 310 metresDesigned in 2000 by Italian architect Renzo Piano, The Shard stands at 309.6 metres and is the tallest building in western Europe.Construction on the structure, which replaced a 1970s tower block, began in March 2009 and was topped out on 30 March 2012. At the structure’s inauguration ceremony, London mayor Boris John said that skyscraper was “...
The new president of APM speaks to Andrew Hubbard about his life in project management and how he plans to build on the work of Dr Martin Barnes.Tom Taylor has begun his duties as the new president of APM, following the formal announcement of his appointment in November.His involvement with the association has seen him serve as the chairman of APM’s London branch before joining the APM Council in 2003. He served as the association’s chairman between 2004 and 2006 and was awarded the President’s Medal for his contribution to APM in 2007.Tom, a Registered Project Professional, became an...
The Sainsbury Laboratory is providing 120 scientists with state-of-the-art facilities in which to work. Andrew Hubbard speaks to Stuart Johnson, strategic project manager on the award-winning project.At the northern edge of the University of Cambridge’s Botanic Garden lies a new international research laboratory designed and built for the study of plant development.It is a stunning and sustainable project that has attracted widespread praise, most recently claiming the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Stirling Prize for excellence in architecture.For some, it was the surprise...
After the birth of his second child, Arup director Rob Leslie-Carter and his wife decided to relocate to Australia. Rob shares his experiences of the profession after 10 years Down Under.When I moved to Australia I thought of myself very much as a specialist ‘buildings’ project manager, after client side roles in London with ITV Digital and UBS, and most significantly delivering the Laban School of Dance in Deptford. While I still have a love of complex buildings and design, when you arrive in a new market it pays to be flexible.The projects I’ve worked on during the past 10 years have varied...
