Primary Author: Michael Bensussen
Audience Focus: Intermediate
Application Type: Research
Venue: 2016 AACE International Annual Meeting, Toronto, ON, Canada
Abstract: This paper begins by introducing two topics that bear significant influence on the discipline of project management and the various sub-disciplines, including planning and cost and schedule analysis. The history of megaproject delivery within the construction industry is noteworthy and serves as a critical record of the significant accomplishments of today’s engineers and builders. However, history has been subject to great influence by the natural phenomena of chaos and complexity. Chaos theory – or the science of unlocking the knowledge of how to harness these forces – starts from the most basic platform as randomness, unpredictability and entropy. Through examination of peer-reviewed articles and management best-practice, this paper will note how chaos theory and complexity play a large role in the outcome of today’s most significant megaprojects, while introducing methods that managers may use to positively harness the chaotic forces at play.
Audience Focus: Intermediate
Application Type: Research
Venue: 2016 AACE International Annual Meeting, Toronto, ON, Canada
Abstract: This paper begins by introducing two topics that bear significant influence on the discipline of project management and the various sub-disciplines, including planning and cost and schedule analysis. The history of megaproject delivery within the construction industry is noteworthy and serves as a critical record of the significant accomplishments of today’s engineers and builders. However, history has been subject to great influence by the natural phenomena of chaos and complexity. Chaos theory – or the science of unlocking the knowledge of how to harness these forces – starts from the most basic platform as randomness, unpredictability and entropy. Through examination of peer-reviewed articles and management best-practice, this paper will note how chaos theory and complexity play a large role in the outcome of today’s most significant megaprojects, while introducing methods that managers may use to positively harness the chaotic forces at play.