Complex Projects - Carolyn Limbert

Complex Projects

“I think the 21st century will be the century of complexity”

(Hawking, 2000)

Carolyn Limbert, Principal Planner, Harmonic Ltd, November 2013

What is Complex?

Making Mayonnaise? Building a Jumbo Jet?

What is Complex?

COMPLEX

Aircraft Carrier – Complicated or Complex?

Back to BasicsNew view on PM

Technical

CostSchedule

Technical

Schedule Cost

Context Financing

(Strategic Highway Research Program, 2012)

“The intrinsic complexity of projects, in part, is driven by political, social, technological and environmental issues, as well as tight fiscal pressures, end user expectations which may change dramatically during the life of a project, and government instability.” (ICCPM, 2012)

Complex Projects(Remington, 2011)

Processes are clearThings go to plan

Risk events escalate rapidlyInnovation & learning high

Complicated Complex

Simple, best practice leadership

Expert based consultative leadership

Experimental, collaborative leadership

Crisis leadership, directive, rapid action to prevent collapse

Tipping point: usually no way

back

Control Chaos

Complex Projects

Adapted from; (Dombkins, 1997)

Scope: WHATObjectives are to be

achieved

Delivery: HOWTo implement objectives

Low Uncertainty

HighUncertainty

Low Uncertainty

Initiation

Concept

Definition

Mobilisation

Implementation

Closure

Complex Projects

Adapted from; (Dombkins, 1997)

Scope: WHATObjectives are to be

achieved

Delivery: HOWTo implement objectives

Low Uncertainty

HighUncertainty

Low Uncertainty

Closure

InitiationConceptDefinitionMobilisation

Implementation

Can we control Complexity?

● Do we create complex projects?• Poorly defined objectives• Ambiguity• Scope creep

● Do PMs need to manage projects differently to lower project complexity?

● Are projects truly complex or just complicated?

Carolyn Limbertcarolyn.limbert@harmonicltd.co.uk