We conclude this section and this first chapter with a brief focus on megaproject theory and practice. As you will learn throughout this book from reviewing the literature and case studies megaproject theory assists policy makers, industry, project stakeholders including contractors, designers, engineers, and government in understanding better the challenges we face in selecting the right projects, implementing these large and complex endeavors, and then ensuring that we deliver the benefits promised. Megaprojects can provide frameworks for structural decision making, strategy alignment, and investment choices that can be beneficial to all projects (Esty 2004).

There is now a growing body of research on megaprojects that provides valuable insights that can be applied not only on megaprojects but provides valuable lessons for projects of all sizes large and small. The megaproject literature is interdisciplinary and crosses the fields of engineering, management, law, sociology, psychology, physics, finance, and economics to name a few. The lessons learned will assist all those involved in the future challenges of megaproject management.

Summary