Managing Complex Projects in Multi- Project Environments

Complexity has been identified in both literature and practice as a critical project dimension that needs to be better managed to improve project delivery. Many authors have argued that increasing complexity or the underestimation of complexity accounts for some of the delays and cost overruns experienced on projects. Within the construction industry, the increasing demand for contractors to play integrating roles especially in contractor-led procurement systems (such as Design and Build, and Project Finance Initiative) has added pressure for improved performance. Contractors engaged in such projects usually have other projects going on simultaneously and hence are operating in multi-project environments. However current theory and research reflects mainly the perspective of the client in project, programme and portfolio management, hence applies a single project paradigm to contractors’ project business. This paper reviews the nature of complex construction projects in a contractor’s multi-project environment and develops a holistic integrated framework to be used for understanding and investigating complex project delivery of projects in this environment. The framework is built on socio-technical system’s concept. This broad and enriched way of conceptualising complex projects in multi-project environment, will help organisations not to focus on any one issue at the expense of others. The paper concludes that using this holistic approach holds considerable potential for the managerial improvement of construction contractors.