Project failure continues to be a concern even though standards and procedures have been in place for years to counteract the issue. Many reasons for the high rate of project management failure have been purported in the research literature (Bauer, 2006; Hammoud, 2008 & Kerzner, 2002). This study analyzes the problem of high failure rate of major capital projects within Transnet Freight Rail. In addition to reviewing research literature that addresses projects failure concepts, critical success factors, project management principles, strategic alignment, skills and capabilities of project managers and how these factors might relate to major capital projects failure, the study will examine possible problems at the organizational and functional level that might be contributing to the high failure rate of major capital projects within TFR. / Graduate School of Business Leadership / M.B.A.

This research explores a higher order of fast tracking, called Flash Tracking, in response to increasing calls for faster, more reliable project deliveries. Flash Tracking is defined as a time-driven project, which by necessity requires a heightened degree of concurrency between engineering, procurement, and construction. In contrast to fast tracking, which entails a level of concurrency between engineering, procurement, and construction that has become a staple of the construction industry, Flash Tracking extends the envelope by requiring a series of innovative practices across the project delivery spectrum. The specific research questions pursued include: 1) identifying which innovative improvements in project delivery methodology could be made to compress project durations, while maintaining safety, quality, and risk tolerance, and 2) addressing how project teams can best overcome barriers to delivering shorter project durations. A multi-method research project was undertaken to address these questions, which entailed an extensive review of the literature, structured case study interviews, and multiple group decision-making exercises. The literature review focused on the construction industry, as well as manufacturing, shipbuilding, and software development, to identify practices and techniques potentially relevant to Flash Tracking that could be extended to the construction industry. Group decision-making exercises included a modified Delphi method study, an Analytic Hierarchy Process, and a series of research charrettes or focus groups. These studies produced a prioritized, two-tiered listing of 47 essential Flash Track practices, providing practitioners with both a measure to assess their readiness for undertaking a Flash Track project and strategies for increasing their readiness. A subsequent study--a semantic network analysis--refined and buttressed the research team’s earlier findings. This two-year study, conducted in concert with industry experts, led to a re-engineered engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model which embraces relational contract strategies, improved communications, and the early engagement of key stakeholders.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 17-20, 1988 / Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada / In the past, telemetry data systems in support of JPL flight projects -- such as Voyager and Galileo -- were designed specifically for each mission. Third-generation computers and minicomputers were combined into a distributed system, and many man-hours of software development were invested to meet each project's unique processing requirements. These systems were used to support the Spacecraft testing on the ground and -- later -- for mission operations after launch. The Magellan System Test Data Processing Subsystem (STDPS) marks a departure from these past designs. For the first time, a re-usable telemetry-processing subsystem has been designed that is flexible enough to meet the spacecraft-testing requirements of the present project -- and can be easily changed for future projects as well. These changes are all accomplished through a user-friendly, menu-oriented interface. Extensive software re-programming is no longer required. The Magellan spacecraft is being constructed for JPL by Martin Marietta Astronautics Group, Denver, Colorado. The STDPS is currently in Denver, supporting the spacecraft testing.

published_or_final_version / Real Estate and Construction / Master / Master of Science in Construction Project Management

published_or_final_version / Surveying / Master / Master of Science

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