project management case study analysis

Top 20 Project Management Case Studies [With Examples]

Project management case study analyses showcase and compare real-life project management processes and systems scenarios. These studies shed light on the common challenges that project managers encounter on a daily basis. This helps project managers develop effective strategies, overcome obstacles, and achieve successful results. 

By leveraging project management case studies , organisations can optimise their operations by providing insights into the most effective approaches. With effective implementation of these case studies, strategies, and methodologies, ensuring successful project completion is achievable.

Criteria for Selection of Top 20 Case Studies

The top 20 case studies are selected based on significance, impact, challenges, project management strategies, and overall success. They provide diverse insights and lessons for project managers and organisations.

1. The Sydney Opera House Project

The Sydney Opera House Project is an iconic example of project management case studies as it faced multiple challenges during its construction phase. Despite facing leadership changes, budget overruns, and design failures, the project persevered and was completed in 1973, a decade later than planned. The Opera House stands as a symbol of perseverance and successful project management in the face of humankind.

2. The Airbus A380 Project

The Airbus A380 Project is a project management case study showcasing the challenges encountered during developing and producing the world’s largest commercial aircraft. The project experienced massive delays and impacted costs of more than $6 billion, with several issues arising from the manufacturing and delivery process, outsourcing, and project coordination. 

However, the Airbus A380 was successfully launched through carefully planned project management strategies, delivering a world-class aircraft that met customer expectations.

3. The Panama Canal Expansion Project 

The Panama Canal Expansion Project serves as a compelling case study, illustrating the management’s encounters in expanding the capacity of the Panama Canal. The project included multiple stakeholders, technological innovations, environmental concerns, and safety challenges. 

4. The Boston Central Artery/Tunnel Project

The Boston Central Artery/Tunnel Project serves as a project management case study of a large-scale underground tunnel construction project. It successfully addressed traffic congestion and was completed in 2007. The project was completed in 2007, with numerous hurdles delaying progress like complexity, technology failure, ballooning budgets, media scrutiny, etc.

5. The London 2012 Olympics Project

The London 2012 Olympics Project stands as a successful project management case study, showcasing the management of a large-scale international sporting event. This project involved the construction of a new sports infrastructure, event logistics and security concerns. The project was successfully accomplished, delivering a world-class event that captivated the audience.

6. The Hoover Dam Bypass Project

The Hoover Dam Bypass Project was a construction project in the United States of America that intended to alleviate traffic from the Hoover Dam by building a new bridge. Completed in 2010, the bridge spans across the Colorado River, connecting Arizona and Nevada and offers a safer and more efficient route for motorists.

7. The Golden Gate Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project

The Golden Gate Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project is a case study example constructed in San Francisco, California. Its objective was to enhance the bridge’s resilience against earthquakes and aftershocks. Completed in 2012, the project included the installation of shock absorbers and other seismic upgrades to ensure the bridge’s safety and functionality in the event of a major earthquake.

8. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Project

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Project is a massive case study that intends to connect Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau with a bridge-tunnel system of 55 kilometres. Completed in 2018, the project required massive funds, investments and innovative engineering solutions, providing a new transport link and boosting regional connectivity.

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9. The Panama Papers Investigation Project

The Panama Papers Investigation Project is a global case study of journalistic investigations into offshore tax havens. It involved leaked documents from Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian law firm. Coordinated by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, the project resulted in major political and financial repercussions worldwide, garnering widespread media attention.

10. The Apple iPhone Development Project

The Apple iPhone Development Project started in 2004, aiming to create a groundbreaking mobile device. In 2007, the iPhone transformed the industry with its innovative touchscreen interface, sleek design, and advanced features. This project involved significant research, development, marketing, and supply chain management investments.

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11. The Ford Pinto Design and Launch Project

The Ford Pinto Design and Launch Project was a developmental project intended to create an affordable, fuel-efficient subcompact car. Launched in 1971, because of its fuel tank design, it became infamous for safety issues. The project was rigged for ethical and safety concerns, lawsuits, and recalls.

12. The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response Project

The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response Project was a response to the largest oil spill in US history, caused by an offshore drilling rig explosion in 2010. This crisis response project utilised a waterfall project management approach, where the project team followed a pattern of planning, executing, monitoring, and closing phases. 

13. The NASA Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster Project

  The NASA Challenger Disaster Project was a tragic space exploration mission in 1986, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members. Extensive investigations revealed design and safety flaws as the cause. This disaster prompted NASA to address decision-making processes and improve safety cultures.

14. The Three Gorges Dam Project

  The Three Gorges Dam Project was a large-scale infrastructure project developed in China that aimed to build the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Yangtze River. Completed in 2012, it encountered environmental, social, and engineering challenges. The dam currently offers power generation, flood control, and improved navigation, but it has also resulted in ecological and cultural consequences.

15. The Big Dig Project in Boston

The Big Dig Project was a transportation infrastructure project in Boston, Massachusetts, intended to replace an old elevated highway with a newer tunnel system. Completed in 2007, it serves as one of the most complex and costly construction endeavours in US history. Despite facing many delays, cost overruns and engineering challenges, the project successfully improved traffic flow and urban aesthetics but also resulted in accidents, lawsuits, and financial burdens.

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16. The Uber Disruptive Business Model Project

  The Uber Disruptive Business Model Project was a startup that introduced a new ride business model that disrupted the taxi-cab industry by connecting riders with drivers via a mobile app. Launched in 2010, this project required innovative technology, marketing and regulatory strategies and faced legal actions and ethical challenges related to labour, safety, and competition. Uber has since then dominated the market with its ride-sharing business plan.

17. The Netflix Original Content Development Project

The Netflix Original Content Development Project was an initiative created to launch its original content for its platform. This launch by the online streaming giant in 2012 was a huge success for the company. The project required huge investments in content creation, distribution and marketing and resulted in award-winning shows and films that redefined the entire entertainment industry’s business model.

18. The Tesla Electric Car Project

The Tesla Electric Car Project was a revolutionary project that aimed to compete for its electric vehicles with gasoline-powered vehicles. The project required a strong project management plan that incorporated innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement, resulting in the successful launch of the Tesla Roadster in 2008 and subsequent models. Tesla has one-handedly revolutionised the entire automobile industry on its own. 

19. The Johnson & Johnson Tylenol Crisis Management Project:

The Johnson & Johnson Tylenol Crisis Management Project was a case study in crisis management in 1982. The project required quick and effective decision-making skills, stakeholder communication, and ethical leadership in response to the tampering of Tylenol capsules that led to deaths. 

20. The Airbnb Online Marketplace Platform Project  

The Airbnb Online Marketplace Platform Project was a startup that created an online platform which connected travellers with hosts offering short-term rental accommodations in flights. The project required innovative technology, user experience design and stakeholder management. Airbnb’s success has led to the disruption of the hospitality industry and inspired many other project case study examples of sharing economy platforms.

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Future developments in project management.

Future developments in project management include all the insights on the increased use of artificial intelligence, agile methodologies, hybrid project management approaches, and emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility, along with many more developing ideas that will address the evolving market innovations. 

Key Takeaways from the Case Studies

The project management case study examples illustrate real-life examples and the importance of project management in achieving project success. The cases show the use of innovative technologies, tools, techniques, stakeholder engagement, crisis management, and agile methodologies. 

Project Management also highlights the role of ethical leadership and social responsibility in project management. To learn more and more about case studies, upGrad, India’s leading education platform, has offered an Advanced General Management Program from IMT Ghaziabad that will equip you with in-demand management skills to keep up with the changing trends!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Project Management is extensive planning, executing, monitoring and closing of a project before its deadline. Project management ensures accuracy and efficiency across all organs of a project, right from its inception to its completion.

Project Management case studies are real-life examples of projects to put an insight into all the tools, techniques and methodologies it provides.

The role of a project manager is to ensure that all day-to-day responsibilities are being met by the resources deployed in a certain project. They have the authority to manage as well as lead the functioning members as well.

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Top 15 Project Management Case Studies with Examples

Home Blog Project Management Top 15 Project Management Case Studies with Examples

Having worked for more than 9 years in the dynamic field of project management, I would strongly refer to real-world case studies as invaluable resources for both budding and experienced professionals. These case studies provide critical insights into the challenges and triumphs encountered in various industries, illustrating the application of project management principles in practical scenarios.   I have curated the case studies as a part of this article in such a way that it delves into a selection of compelling project management case studies, ranging from the healthcare sector to infrastructure and technology. Each case study is a testament to the strategic planning, adaptability, and innovative problem-solving skills necessary in today's fast-paced business environment. These narratives not only highlight past successes but also offer guidance for future projects, making them essential tools for anyone eager to excel in project management.

What is Case Study?

A case study refers to an in-depth examination of a specific case within the real-world context. It is a piece of content that sheds light on the challenges faced, solutions adopted, and the overall outcomes of a project. To understand project management case studies, it is important to first define what a project is . A project is a temporary endeavor with a defined beginning and end, aimed at achieving a specific goal or objective. Case studies are generally used by businesses during the proposal phase. However, they are also displayed on the websites of companies to provide prospects with a glance at the capabilities of the brands. It can even serve as an effective tool for lead generation. In simple words, case studies are stories that tell the target audience about the measures and strategies that the organization adopted to become successful.

What is Project Management Case Study?

A project management case study is a piece of content that highlights a project successfully managed by the organization. It showcases the challenges that the organization faced, the solutions adopted, and the final results. Keep reading in order to explore examples of successful project management case studies.

Top 15 Project Management Case Studies and Examples 

Are you looking for some examples of PMP case studies? If yes, here are some of the best examples you can explore. Let’s dive in!

1. Mavenlink Helps Improve Utilization Rates by 15% for BTM Global

The case study is all about how Mavenlink helped BTM Global Consulting to save hours of work and enhance utilization with resource management technology. BTM Global Consulting offers system development and integration services to diverse clients. The challenges that the company faced were that tools like Netsuite OpenAir and Excel spreadsheets were not able to meet the customization needs as the company grew. It impacted their overall productivity.

In order to overcome the challenge, the solution they adopted was to switch to Mavenlink. The result was that it increased the utilization of the company by 10% and enhanced project manager utilization by 15%. It also reduced resource allocation work from 4 hours to just 10 minutes.

2. Boncom Reduces Billing Rate Errors by 100% With Mavenlink

Boncom is an advertising agency that collaborates with different purpose driven brands to create goods worldwide. The challenge was that the company relied on several-point solutions for delivering client-facing projects. However, the solutions failed to offer the required operational functionality. An ideal solution for Boncom was to adopt Mavenlink. The result was that the billing rate error got reduced by 100%. Accurate forecasting became possible for Boncom, and the company could generate reports in much less time.

3. whyaye! Reaches 80% Billable Utilization with Mavenlink

whyaye is a digital transformation consultancy delivering IT transformation solutions to businesses operating in diverse sectors. The challenge was that whyaye used to manage resources and projects using tools such as emails, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel. However, with the growth of the company, they were not able to access project data or gain insights for effective management of the projects . The ultimate solution to this challenge was to make a switch to Mavenlink. The result was an increase in the utilization by 6%, doubling of new clients, tripling of the company size, and seamless support through business growth.

4. Metova Increases Billable Utilization by 10% With Mavenlink

If you are looking for a project planning case study, Metova can be the right example. Metova is a technology firm, a Gold Partner of Microsoft, and an advanced consulting partner of AWS. The challenge was that the company handled several projects at a time. However, its heavy dependence on tools like Google Sheets limited the growth capabilities of the organization. So, the company looked for a solution and switched to Mavenlink. The result was that it was able to increase its billable utilization by 10%, increase its portfolio visibility, and standardize its project management process.

5. Appetize Doubles Length of Forecasting Outlook with Mavenlink

Appetize is one of the leading cloud-based points of sale (POS), enterprise management, and digital ordering platform that is trusted by a number of businesses. The challenge of the company was that its legacy project tracking systems were not able to meet the growing needs of the company. They experienced growth and manual data analysis challenges. The solution they found was to switch to Mavenlink. The result was an increase in the forecast horizon to 12 weeks, support for effective companywide scaling, easy management of over 40 major projects, and Salesforce integration for project implementation.

6. RSM Improves Client Satisfaction and Global Business Processes with Mavenlink

RSM is a tax, audit, and consulting company that provides a wide array of professional services to clients in Canada and the United States. The challenge of the company was that its legacy system lacked the necessary features required to support their work- and time-intensive projects and delivered insights relating to the project trends. An ideal solution to this challenge was to switch to Mavenlink. The result was better to risk mitigation in tax compliance, improved client-team communication, templatized project creation, and better use of the KPIs and project status.

7. CORE Business Technologies Increases Billable Utilization by 35% with Mavenlink

CORE Business Technologies is a reputed single-source vendor self-service, in-person, and back-office processing to the clients. It offers SaaS-based payment solutions to clients. The challenge faced by the company was that its tools like spreadsheets, Zoho, and Microsoft Project led to a hectic work schedule owing to a huge number of disconnected systems. The solution to the challenge was to switch to Mavenlink. The result was the enhancement of team productivity by 50%, time entry compliance by 100%, and enhancement of the billable utilization rate by 35%.

8. Client Success: Health Catalyst Improves Business Processes and Increases Consistency in Project Delivery with Mavenlink

Health Catalyst is a company that delivers data and analytics services and technology to different healthcare organizations. The firm provides assistance to technicians and clinicians in the healthcare sector. The challenge of the company was that the tools like Intacct and spreadsheets that is used for project management were not able to provide the required data insights and clarity for better project management. It also limited effective resource management. The solution was to embrace Mavenlink. The result was better resource forecasting, enhanced interdepartmental communication, consistency in project delivery, and better resource data insights .

9. Client Success: Optimus SBR Improves Forecasting Horizon by 50% with Mavenlink

Optimus SBR is a leading professional service provider in North America. It offers the best results to companies operating in diverse sectors, including healthcare, energy, transportation, financial services, and more. The challenge was that legacy software tools that the firm used gave rise to project management issues. The company was not able to get a real-time revenue forecast or gain insights into its future financial performance. The solution that the company adopted was to switch to Mavenlink. The result was better data-driven hiring decisions, efficient delivery of remote work, and enhancement of the forecasting horizon by 50%.

10. Client Success: PlainJoe Studios Increases Projects Closing Within Budget by 50% With Mavenlink

PlainJoe Studios is an experimental design studio that focuses on digitally immersive and strategic storytelling. The company has a team of strategists, architects, and problem solvers to create value for the clients. The challenge of the company was that the manual processing of the company affected its ability to grow and manage the diverse project effectively. They lacked clarity about their project needs and profitability. The solution to deal with the challenge was to switch to Mavenlink. The result was an enhancement in the billing rates by 15%, better project closing within budget by 50%, better data insights for the success of different projects, and a faster shift to remote work.

11. Client Success: RPI Consultants Decreases Admin Time by 20% With Mavenlink

If you are looking for an example of one of the best software project management case studies, then RPI Consultants can be the ideal one. RPI Consultants offer expert project leadership and software consulting services for enterprise-level implementation of solutions and products. The challenge was that the task management solutions adopted by the company gave rise to a number of complications. It resulted in poor interdepartmental transparency and time-consuming data entry. The ultimate solution that the company embraced was to switch to Mavenlink. The result was a rise in the utilization rate by 5%, lowing of admin time by 20%, better forecasting and resource management, and a single source for gaining insights into the project data.

12. Client Success: CBI's PMO Increases Billable Utilization By 30% With Mavenlink

CBI is a company that is focused on protecting the reputations, data, and brands of its clients. The challenge that the company faced was that the solutions used were unable to meet the growing needs of the organization. The systems were outdated, data sharing was not possible, and time tracking was inconsistent. The solution to the challenge was to switch to Mavenlink. The result was better interdepartmental alignment, enhancement of time tracking to support business growth, an increase in the billable utilization rate by 30%, and detailed insights for a greater success of the projects.

13. Client Success: Butterfly Increases Billable Time by 20% with Mavenlink

Butterfly is a leading digital agency that provides digital strategy, website design and development services, and ongoing support to businesses across Australia. The challenge was that the different legacy systems used by the agency limited its capability of effective project management and reporting. The systems were time consuming and cumbersome. In order to deal with the challenge, the solution was to make a switch to Mavenlink. The result was the enhancement of billable time by 20%, fast reporting insights, enhancement of productive utilization by 16%, and better Jira integration.

14. Client Success: TeleTracking Increases Billable Utilization by 37% With Mavenlink

TeleTracking Technologies is a leading provider of patient flow automation solutions to various hospitals in the healthcare sector. The challenge of the company was that it used different systems such as Microsoft Excel, Sharepoint, MS Project, Jira, and Netsuite. The use of a variety of solutions created a number of challenges for the company. It had poor forecasting capability, an insufficient time tracking process, and unclear resource utilization. The solution was to switch to Mavenlink. The result was the enhancement of time tracking compliance by 100%, rise in hours to date by 18%, and enhancement of billable utilization by 37%.

15. Client Success: Taylors Improves Utilization Rates by 15% with Mavenlink

This is a perfect example of a construction project management case study. Taylor Development Strategists is a leading civil engineering and urban planning organization in Australia. The challenge that the company faced was that the systems that it used were not able to support the growth of the business. There were a lot of inefficiencies and limitations. The solution to the challenge was to switch to Mavenlink. The result was better global collaboration, an increase in the utilization rate by 15%, consistency of timesheet entry, and in-depth insights relating to utilization and project targets.

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Start Creating Your Project Management Case Study

Not that you have a detailed idea about project management case studies, it is time to prepare your own. When doing the project management case study exercise, make sure to focus on covering all the important elements. Clearly stating the challenges and the solutions adopted by the company is important. If you want to get better at project management, getting a PMP Certification can be beneficial.

Case Study Best Practices and Tips 

Want to prepare a project management case study? Here are some tips that can help. 

• Involve your clients in the preparation of the case study. 
• Make use of graphs and data. 
• Mix images, texts, graphs, and whitespace effectively.

Project Management Case Studies Examples

Hospital el pilar improves patient care with implementing disciplined agile.

If you are looking for an example of one of the best hospital related project management case studies, then Hospital El Pilar can be the ideal one. Hospital El Pilar is a private hospital in Guatemala City, Guatemala, that provides comprehensive care to patients in various medical specialties. The challenge was that the hospital’s application development team faced several obstacles in managing and delivering projects, such as unclear priorities, a lack of visibility, little interaction with users, and competing demands. The solution that the team adopted was to use Disciplined Agile® (DA™), a flexible and pragmatic approach to project management that optimizes the way of working (WoW). The result was improved project outcomes, increased user satisfaction, greater transparency, and more trust from stakeholders and customers.

British Columbia’s Ministry of Technology and Infrastructure (MoTI) gets its principal corridor for transportation up in 35 days

Reconnecting Roads After Massive Flooding (2022) is a case study of how the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) used a project management approach based on the PMBOK® Guide to restore critical routes after a catastrophic weather event. It is one of the examples of successful project management case studies you can look into. The challenge was that an atmospheric river caused severe flooding, landslides, and bridge collapses, cutting off the lower mainland from the rest of Canada2. The solution was to prioritize the reopening of Highway 5, the principal corridor for transportation of goods and people, by creating scopes, work breakdown structures, and schedules for each site3. The result was that Highway 5 was reopened to commercial traffic in 35 days, despite additional weather challenges and risks4. The construction project management case study we discussed demonstrated the benefits of flexibility, collaboration, and communication in emergency response.

Case Study Template 

To create a well-crafted and highly informative case study template in the realms of project management, you should start by providing a brief overview of the client's company, focusing on its industry, scale, and specific challenges. Follow with a detailed section on the challenge, emphasizing the unique aspects of the project and obstacles faced. Next, you might want to describe the solution implemented, detailing the strategies, methodologies, and tools used. Then, you would need to present the results, quantifying improvements and highlighting objectives achieved. Finally, please conclude the case study with a summary, encapsulating key takeaways and emphasizing the project's success and its implications for future endeavors. By following this structure, you can present a comprehensive yet concise analysis that is ideal for showcasing project management expertise and insights. You can also refer to the template for crafting a better case study on project management – Template for writing case studies.

By now, you must have gained a comprehensive knowledge of preparing a project management case study. This article elaborately explains the significance of real life project management case studies as vital tools for demonstrating a company's expertise in handling complex projects. These case studies, showcasing real-world scenarios, serve as compelling evidence of a firm's capability to navigate challenges and implement effective solutions, thereby boosting confidence in potential clients and partners. They are not only a reflection of past successes but also a lighthouse guiding future project endeavors in the discipline of project management within the fields of construction, pharmacy, technology and finance, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, innovation, and adaptability in project management. If you are aspiring to excel in this field, understanding these case studies is invaluable. However, you would also need to learn from project management failures case studies which would provide a roadmap to mastering the art of project management in today's dynamic business landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. how do you write a project management case study.

In order to write a project management case study, keep everything brief but mention everything in detail. Make sure to write it with clarity and include graphs and images. 

2. Why is a case study important in project identification?

It is important to highlight the story of the success of your company and your clients.

3. What are case studies in project management?

A case study in project management is the success story of how effectively a company was able to handle a specific project of the client.

4. What should a project case study include?

A project study must include information about the client, how your company helped the client in resolving a problem, and the results.

5. Which are the best-case studies on project management?

The best-case studies on project management have been listed above. It includes BTM Global, Butterfly, Boncom, and more.

Kevin D.Davis

Kevin D. Davis is a seasoned and results-driven Program/Project Management Professional with a Master's Certificate in Advanced Project Management. With expertise in leading multi-million dollar projects, strategic planning, and sales operations, Kevin excels in maximizing solutions and building business cases. He possesses a deep understanding of methodologies such as PMBOK, Lean Six Sigma, and TQM to achieve business/technology alignment. With over 100 instructional training sessions and extensive experience as a PMP Exam Prep Instructor at KnowledgeHut, Kevin has a proven track record in project management training and consulting. His expertise has helped in driving successful project outcomes and fostering organizational growth.

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Introduction Project management is an essential discipline in today's business world, and understanding it through case studies can offer valuable insights. A case study is a detailed investigation of a specific project, allowing us to analyze its different aspects, such as planning, execution, and evaluation. It provides practical examples that aid in comprehending theoretical concepts and applying them effectively. In this article, we'll delve into this topic and offer tips and common error-prone cases to consider.

• Understanding a Project Management Case Study

Table of Contents

Importance of Studying Project Management Case Studies

Analyzing a project management case study, common mistakes in project management and how to avoid them, tips for studying project management case studies.

• A project management case study revolves around a real-life or hypothetical project. It describes the project's background, process, and outcome, providing the opportunity to evaluate its successes and shortcomings.
• The case study may describe various aspects of the project, such as its objectives, stakeholders, timeline, budget, risks, and results. The goal is to present a comprehensive picture of the project and its management.
• Case studies provide practical examples that enhance understanding. They can illustrate how project management theories and techniques are applied in real situations, thus supplementing textbook learning.
• Through case studies, students can learn from others' experiences. They can see how different project managers handled various challenges, what strategies worked, and what mistakes were made.
• To analyze a case study, start by reading it thoroughly to understand the project's context. Note the project's objectives, stakeholders, resources, constraints, and results.
• Identify the project management techniques used and assess their effectiveness. Consider whether different approaches could have led to better outcomes.
• Reflect on the lessons learned from the project. What can be applied to future projects? What mistakes should be avoided?
• Lack of clear objectives: A common mistake is not defining clear and measurable goals at the project's outset. To avoid this, ensure that project objectives are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Poor communication: Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and project failures. To prevent this, establish clear communication channels and ensure regular updates among all stakeholders.
• Inadequate risk management: Many projects fail due to unforeseen problems. To mitigate this, conduct a thorough risk assessment at the project's beginning and devise appropriate risk management strategies.
• Take notes: While reading the case study, jot down key points. This will help you remember important details and make your analysis more effective.
• Discuss with peers: Case studies can be complex, and discussing them with others can provide new perspectives. Try to engage in group discussions or forums.
• Apply to real-world situations: Try to relate what you learn from the case study to real-life scenarios. This will help you understand the practical application of project management theories and techniques.
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Home » Project Management Case Studies

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Project Management

The teaching cases in this section address the challenges related to implementation and scale faced by project managers in a variety of settings.

Shoring Up Child Protection in Massachusetts: Commissioner Spears & the Push to Go Fast

Publication Date: July 13, 2023

 In January 2015, when incoming Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker chose Linda Spears as his new Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families, he was looking for a reformer. Following the grizzly death of a child under DCF...

Architect, Pilot, Scale, Improve: A Framework and Toolkit for Policy Implementation

Publication Date: May 12, 2021

Successful implementation is essential for achieving policymakers’ goals and must be considered during both design and delivery. The mission of this monograph is to provide you with a framework and set of tools to achieve success. The...

Different Approaches to Building a Unified Government Website in Argentina, Peru, and Mexico

Publication Date: August 21, 2020

Government digitization has proven to benefit both citizens and public agencies. On the one hand, citizens are able to find a consistent interface and reliable information on a single site and are able to access streamlined digital government...

Mothers of Rotterdam: Scaling a Social Services Program in the Netherlands

Publication Date: June 7, 2018

Board Chair Nanne Boonstra was about to learn the details of a scaling strategy proposal for Mothers of Rotterdam, a fledgling social service program that helped the city’s disadvantaged pregnant women.Boonstra’s employer, a venture...

Lesotho Hospital and Filter Clinics: A Public-Private Partnership Sequel

Publication Date: October 17, 2016

This sequel accompanies case number 1999.0. This case looks at a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Health Ministry for the government of Lesotho and a private consortium headed up by Netcare, a South African company, to build and...

Lesotho Hospital and Filter Clinics: A Public-Private Partnership

Publication Date: October 03, 2013

This case looks at a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Health Ministry for the government of Lesotho and a private consortium headed up by Netcare, a South African company, to build and operate a new referral hospital and four feeder...

TransMilenio: The Battle Over Avenida Séptima

Publication Date: May 10, 2011

In August of 2007, the mayor of Bogotá, Luis Eduardo Garzón, had to decide whether to proceed with plans to build a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line in Avenida Séptima, one of the most important transportation corridors in the...

California High-Speed Rail

Publication Date: November 18, 2010

In January 2010, the California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) was waiting to hear whether the Obama Administration would approve its application for $4.7 billion in federal stimulus funding to begin the construction of a $50-billion,...

Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator: A Model for Reducing Unemployment in South Africa

Publication Date: April 20, 2023

 In the fourth quarter of 2021, South Africa's unemployment rate rose to 35%, the highest since 2008. Though some of the job losses could be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, the country had already been experiencing high unemployment...

Health Care & the Isolated Poor in the Lower Rio Grande Valley: The Quest to Make a Lasting Change (Sequel)

Publication Date: December 14, 2006

The spring of 2005 marked a tricky juncture for the leaders of a program designed to improve health care access for thousands of residents living in impoverished, isolated settlements just north of the Mexican border in the Lower Rio Grande...

Health Care & the Isolated Poor in the Lower Rio Grande Valley: The Quest to Make a Lasting Change

To What End? Re-thinking Terrorist Attack Exercises in San Jose (Sequel, part 2)

Publication Date: November 03, 2005

This case study tells the story of San Jose, California, one of the first 27 cities in the country to participate in a federal domestic preparedness program. Between 1997 and 1999, a specially created city task force mounted several full-scale...

Guide to Project Management Strategies for Complex Projects (2013)

Chapter: a--case study summaries.

Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book. Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.

136 The researchers investigated 15 projects in the United States and three international projects through in-depth case studies to identify tools that aid complex-project man- agers to deliver projects successfully. These 18 projects represent various project types, locations, project sizes, and phases of project development. The case study summaries are presented in alphabetical order by the name used for each project by the researchers. Each case study summary includes a project overview, project complexity details (including a complexity map or radar diagram), and a para- graph listing the primary methods and tools used for the project. CAPITAL BELTWAY Project Overview The Capital Beltway project is a complex project in northern Virginia consisting of 14 mi of four high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) and high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, lane connections, construction or reconstruction of 11 interchanges, and replacement or improvements of more than 50 bridges. The total awarded value of the project for construction and administration is $1.4 billion. When fi nancing and design are included, the total awarded value of the project reaches $2.2 to $2.4 billion. Project planning began in 2003. One interesting fact about this project is that it resulted from an unsolicited proposal issued in 2004 and is an owner-negotiated public–private partnership (PPP). Actual construction began in July 2008, and the project is scheduled to be completed in 2013. Tolling and revenues are expected to start on December 21, 2012. A CASE STUDY SUMMARIES

137 Appendix A: CASE STUDY SUMMARIES CASE STUDY SUMMARIES Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include assembling project team, pre- paring early cost model and finance plan, and establishing public involvement plans. Project Complexity The Capital Beltway HOV/HOT Lanes Project was delivered by PPP with the design– build (DB) method. The Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) mega-project team had previous experience with DB, but there was still some unfamiliarity, which made the project delivery method more complex than a typical project. Developing the HOT network and switchable hardware to accommodate HOT and HOV users was a challenging task for intelligent transportation systems person- nel. There were many technical factors to consider, such as pass type (electronic pass, no pass, or both), how to recognize the number of people in the vehicles, how to distinguish animals or “dummy” passengers from human passengers, and many other technical issues. In addition to the technical matters, laws needed to be considered to ensure the developed system was not illegal. For example, the legal issues involving use of photos for toll enforcement needed investigation before application. Different sources of funding and atypical financing processes related to the PPP were challenging. The complexity diagram in Figure A.1 shows the dimensional com- plexity scores that interviewees provided. Figure A.1. Capital Beltway complexity diagram. Figure A.1. Capital Beltway complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule

138 GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS DETROIT RIVER INTERNATIONAL CROSSING Project Overview The purpose of the project is to provide a new Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) connecting Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario, Canada. This bridge would complement an existing, privately owned, 81-year-old toll bridge ( Ambassador Bridge) and an existing 80-year-old tunnel (the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel) that has usage limitations for commercial vehicles. The project will also provide a freeway-to- freeway connection between I-75 in Detroit and Highway 401 in Windsor. The overall project has 10 primary components and various funding sources asso- ciated with each component. The project is needed to provide redundancy for mobil- ity and trade between the two countries, support economies by connecting the major freeways, and support civil, national defense, and homeland security emergency needs. Project Complexity Multiple agencies are involved in the project (the Michigan DOT and the Federal Highway Administration in the United States and the Ontario Ministry of Transpor- tation and Transport Canada in Canada), and separate documents are required for each country. Multiple stakeholders showed interests and involvement in each country. Project funding is from multiple sources, including tolling. Political issues also made this project complex, as shown in Figure A.2. Those issues included a need for legislation authorizing PPP for the project, pressure related to the competing interests associated with the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, and national attention to the project to support streamlining of the delivery. Projected financial cost for the project is more than $1.8 billion. Figure A.2. Detroit River International Crossing complexity diagram. Figure A.2. Detroit River International Crossing complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule

139 Appendix A: CASE STUDY SUMMARIES Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include selecting project arrangements on the basis of project outcomes and establishing public involvement plans. DOYLE DRIVE Project Overview The Doyle Drive project is a unique project that forms one gateway to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. The 1.5-mi Doyle Drive corridor, also known as Presidio Parkway, was built in 1936 to usher traffic through the Presidio military base to connect San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Doyle Drive is located in a high–seismic hazard zone, and the original structure was not built to withstand projected earthquakes. A seismic retrofit intended to last 10 years was completed in 1995. The current project has eight contracts that will result in a new roadway, new structures including bridges and tunnels, and a depressed roadway section. Project Complexity The number of different financing sources being used for this project contributes to its complexity, as shown in Figure A.3. In addition, one of the contracts still in the plan- ning phase is expected to be PPP. Figure A.3. Doyle Drive complexity diagram. Figure A.3. Doyle Drive complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule

140 GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include selecting project arrangements, which included multiple contracts; different project delivery methods; incentives to accelerate project delivery; value engineering; contractor-initiated changes and sugges- tions; and extensive, thorough monthly progress reports. GREEN STREET Project Overview The Green Street project for the City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, consisted of recycling of asphalt and portland cement concrete rubble into high-value-added mate rials. The project focused on the development of high-value substructure aggre- gates that are structurally superior to conventional aggregates. The scope also included mechanistic-based structural asset management and design protocols. The project executed several field test sections to provide field vali- dation of the structural designs. Project Complexity Use of recycled rubble as structural material is unproven and does not fit conventional road building practice. Therefore, the project used design–supply–build principles that incorporated mechanistic design and field validation of the system developed. Figure A.4 illustrates the complexity of this project. Figure A.4. Green Street complexity diagram. Figure A.4. Green Street complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include establishment of flexible design criteria and selection of project arrangements on the basis of project outcomes.

141 Appendix A: CASE STUDY SUMMARIES HEATHROW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 5 Project Overview The Heathrow International Airport Terminal 5 (T5) project in London includes con- structing a new terminal building, a new air traffic control tower, ground traffic infra- structures (e.g., rail, underground, road, and guideways), and other auxiliary facilities (e.g., water tunnels). The planning phase of the project dates back to 1986, and the first phase of the project was completed in 2008. A second satellite building was still under construction and expected to be delivered by 2011. Project Complexity This project is one of the largest projects in Britain’s engineering history and is the big- gest construction site in Europe. Since project proposal approval in 1986, the planning and design phases of the T5 project have experienced turbulent changes (e.g., changes in technology, economic conditions, ownership, user requirements), creating signifi- cant management challenges for a project of this scale. Furthermore, the total cost of the project is £4.3 billion ($6.7 billion), and numer- ous contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, subsuppliers, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders are involved. The project is financed from a variety of revenue sources, with huge uncertainties. Figure A.5 depicts the complexity of this project. Figure A.5. Heathrow T5 complexity diagram. Figure A.5. Heathrow T5 complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include performing comprehensive risk analysis, assembling project team, and defining project success by each dimension as required.

142 GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS HUDSON-BERGEN LIGHT RAIL MINIMUM OPERABLE SEGMENT Project Overview The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Transit System is a 20.3-mi-long light rail project that connects the densely populated Hudson River waterfront communities in New Jersey. The project also supports significant economic development that continues to take place in the region. The transit system was built in three minimum operable segments (MOSs). MOS2, which was the subject of this case study, is a 6.1-mi-long system extending from Hoboken to the Tonnelle Avenue park-and-ride facility in North Bergen and an exten- sion between 22nd Street and 34th Street in Bayonne. MOS2 features a major tunnel (the 4,100-ft Weehawken tunnel) that includes the new Bergenline station at a depth of 160 ft from the surface. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Transit System started as a traditional design–bid– build project. In 1994, it was determined that by using this traditional approach, the first operating segment would not be in service until 2005 because of funding con- straints and other considerations. Because of these concerns, New Jersey Transit decided to use the design–build– operate–maintain (DBOM) approach for project delivery. With this approach, it was possible to shave more than three years from the MOS1 duration. For MOS2, New Jersey Transit decided to retain the services of the DBOM contractor of the first segment, the 21st Century Rail Corporation (a subsidiary of Washington Group International). As a result, the MOS2 DBOM contract was negoti- ated as a large change order to the MOS1 contract. Project Complexity Hudson-Bergen Light Rail is the first public transit project in the nation to use the DBOM construction methodology. To obtain the funds to make the project feasible, grant anticipation notes and several bonds were issued, given that a full funding grant agreement pays according to a multiyear schedule. In addition, the project was constructed in populated and built-up areas, an envi- ronment that was challenging. Moreover, the length of the project contributed to the complexity in that the number of municipalities the project had to go through was significant compared to projects undertaken before. Figure A.6 shows the complexity of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail project.

143 Appendix A: CASE STUDY SUMMARIES Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include selecting project arrangements on the basis of project outcomes, developing project action plans, determining involve- ment in right-of-way (ROW) and utilities, and establishing public involvement plans. I-40 CROSSTOWN Project Overview The I-40 Crosstown project consists of the relocation of 4.5 mi of the I-40 Crosstown in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, from approximately May Avenue to the I-35 inter- change. This segment includes five major bridge structures. The project consists of 10 lanes designed to carry 173,000 vehicles per day at 70 mph. The case study project included 4.5 mi of new Interstate, ROW acquisition, agreements with the railroad, and 23 separate work packages in the construction phase. Project Complexity The I-40 Crosstown project was complex because of the challenge of matching the capabilities of the local design and construction industry to the scale of the project. In addition, the availability of funding and stakeholder impact, which included relations with the railroad and ROW issues, added to the complexity of the project, as shown in Figure A.7. Figure A.6. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail complexity diagram. Figure A.6. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule

144 GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include defining project success by each dimension as required, assembling project team, and establishing public involve- ment plans. I-95 NEW HAVEN HARBOR CROSSING CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT Project Overview The I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing Corridor Improvement program, in New Haven, Connecticut, comprises seven completed and three current projects. The total program is estimated to cost $1.94 billion. This multimodal transportation improve- ment program features public transit enhancement and roadway improvements along 7.2 mi of I-95 between Exit 46 and Exit 54. The currently active projects include the following: • Replacement of the existing bridge with a new signature structure, the Pearl Har- bor Memorial Bridge ($416 million); • Main span foundations and northbound west approach ($137 million); and • Route 34 flyover ($97 million). Figure A.7. I-40 Crosstown complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule Figure A.7. I-40 Crosstown complexity diagram.

145 Appendix A: CASE STUDY SUMMARIES Project Complexity The Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge is the first extradosed bridge in the nation, which could add to the complexity of the project from a technical point of view. The mag- nitude of the project and its first-ever use in the United States caused the first bidding process to result in no bids. Receiving no bids required the owner to replan and repackage the project at great cost and delay. Furthermore, there are multiple packages in the program consisting of transit and highway work in a densely populated area spanning several municipali- ties. The construction work is conducted while the highway remains open to traffic. Figure A.8 shows the complexity for this project. Figure A.8. I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing Corridor complexity diagram. Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include performing comprehensive risk analysis, colocating team, and determining involvement in ROW and utilities. I-595 CORRIDOR Project Overview The I-595 Corridor Roadway Improvements Project (Florida DOT I-595 Express) consists of the reconstruction of the I-595 mainline and all associated improvements to frontage roads and ramps from I-75 or Sawgrass Expressway interchange to the I-595 and I-95 interchange, for a total project length along I-595 of approximately 10.5 mi and a design and construction cost of approximately $1.2 billion. Figure A.8. I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing Corridor complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule

146 GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS The project improvements will be implemented as part of a PPP with I-595 Express, LLC, a subsidiary created by ACS Infrastructure Development, being awarded the con- tract to serve as the concessionaire to use the design–build–finance–operate–maintain approach for the project for a 35-year term. This project delivery method was chosen as a result of initial findings that the project would take up to 20 years to complete if funded in the traditional way. The Florida DOT found that, if it could deliver the project using the design–build– finance–operate–maintain approach, it could reap considerable cost savings over the life of the project, as well as reach traffic capacity 15 years sooner than by using tradi- tional methods. The Florida DOT will provide management oversight of the contract; install, test, operate, and maintain all SunPass tolling equipment for the reversible express lanes; and set the toll rates and retain the toll revenue. Project Complexity The Florida DOT has been challenged to find the right level of oversight for the project. The process has been a learning experience for both the department and the conces- sionaire. It is very important to partner with local companies to learn the local culture and the processes of involved agencies on the part of the concessionaire. Figure A.9 shows the project complexity. Figure A.9. I-595 Corridor complexity diagram. Figure A.9. I-595 Corridor complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule

147 Appendix A: CASE STUDY SUMMARIES Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include assembling project team, pre- paring early cost model and finance plan, colocating team, evaluating flexible financ- ing, and establishing public involvement plans. INTERCOUNTY CONNECTOR Project Overview The InterCounty Connector project consists of 18 mi of construction on a new align- ment and incorporates some reconstruction of interchanges and the existing corridor that intersects the new project. The purpose of the project is to provide a limited- access, multimodal facility between existing and proposed development areas in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland. Currently, the project is broken into five construction contracts and 47 envi- ronmental stewardship and mitigation contracts. The total anticipated cost is about $2.566 billion, with the environmental contracts accounting for $109 million. The initial environmental studies began in 2004, and the first construction seg- ment of the project started in November 2007. Only three of the five construction contracts have been fully let, all of which have used DB procurement. Each segment is scheduled to open incrementally; the currently contracted projects were expected to be finished in late 2011. The final two contracts are yet to be deter- mined for letting periods and anticipated completion. Nine interchanges, one intersection, two bridges, 4 mi of existing highway recon- struction, and 4.9 mi of resurfacing are slated to be completed during this project, along with the 18 mi of mainline construction. The project is using multiple funding sources and will be part of Maryland’s toll- ing network on completion. Grant anticipation revenue vehicle bonds, Maryland DOT pay-as-you-go program funds, special federal appropriations, Maryland Transporta- tion Authority bonds, Maryland general fund transfers, and a Transportation Infra- structure Finance and Innovation Act loan are all sources of funding for this project. Project Complexity The use of the DB method and multiple separate contracts, as well as construction through an environmentally sensitive area, made this project complex, as shown in Figure A.10.

148 GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include preparing early cost model and finance plan, identifying critical permit issues, and evaluating flexible financing. Figure A.10. InterCounty Connector complexity diagram. Figure A.10. InterCounty Connector complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule TABLE A.1. INTERCOUNTY CONNECTOR COMPLEXITY RANK AND SCORE COMPARISON Dimension Rank Complexity Score Cost 1 70 Schedule 2 85 Technical 4 55 Context 3 85 Financing 5 85 An extensive financial plan is required, a d multiple funding sources are being used. Immense scope, multiple stakeholders and funding sources, and 50-year-old original project discussions are issues that the owner lists as reasons for treating it as a complex project. In this case study, there was a discrepancy between the complexity rank of each dimension and the score of the overall complexity for the dimensions, as shown in Table A.1.

149 Appendix A: CASE STUDY SUMMARIES JAMES RIVER BRIDGE/I-95 RICHMOND Project Overview The project consists of the restoration of the 0.75-mi-long James River Bridge on I-95 through the central business district of Richmond, Virginia. The bridge’s six lanes were originally designed and built in 1958 to carry one-third of the 110,000 vehicles per day that it was carrying when it was rebuilt in 2002. The contractor proposed using preconstructed composite units that consisted of an 8.7-inch-thick concrete deck over steel girders fabricated in a yard off site. Crews cut the old bridge spans into segments, removed them, and prepared the resulting gaps for the new composite units. Crews finished the process by setting the new pre- constructed unit in place overnight. The case study project includes the following: • 0.75 miles of Interstate bridge restoration • Improvements on Route 1 that include widening to six lanes and signalization • High-mast lighting system • Robust public information program • Agreements with the Richmond Downtown Chamber of Commerce Project Complexity The project was regarded as complex because of construction scheduling restrictions resulting from location, volume of traffic, and potential impact on the public, as shown in Figure A.11. Project visibility was significant because of the immediate proximity to both the state legislature offices and the Virginia DOT central office. In addition, implementation of an untried construction method and an untried incentive and dis- incentive contract structure was complex. Figure A.11. James River Bridge/I-95 Richmond complexity diagram. Figure A.11. James River Bridge/I-95 Richmond complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule

150 GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include defining project success by each dimension as required, selecting project arrangements on the basis of project outcomes, and establishing flexible design criteria. LEWIS AND CLARK BRIDGE Project Overview The Lewis and Clark Bridge spans the state line between Washington and Oregon pro- viding a link for motorists between the states. The cost of the deck replacement was split evenly by both states. The bridge is 5,478 ft long, with 34 spans carrying 21,000 vehicles per day. The bridge was built in 1929. At the time of construction, it was the longest and highest cantilever steel truss bridge in the United States. To extend the life of the existing bridge by 25 years, a full-depth precast deck replacement was designed and executed. The final total value of the project is about $24 million. Project Complexity The Lewis and Clark Bridge is the only link between Washington and Oregon within at least a 1-hour distance. This factor greatly increased the context dimension complexity of the project. The owner had to seek solutions to minimize traffic impact. User benefits were the major driver behind the decision to use a more-complex construction strategy (such as an incentive contract, which the owner had not used before), night and weekend full closure of the bridge, and precast deck replacement. Figure A.12 shows the project complexity. Figure A.12. Lewis and Clark Bridge complexity diagram. Figure A.12. Lewis and Clark Bridge complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule

151 Appendix A: CASE STUDY SUMMARIES Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include defining project success by each dimension as required, selecting project arrangements on the basis of project outcomes, and establishing flexible design criteria. LOUISVILLE–SOUTHERN INDIANA OHIO RIVER BRIDGE Project Overview The Ohio River Bridges project in southern Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky, is a complex project that was entering the final stages of the design phase. The project consists of two long-span river crossings (one in downtown Louisville and one on the east side of the metro), a new downtown interchange in Louisville, a new approach, a 4.2-mi-long highway on the Indiana side, a new east-end approach on the Kentucky side (including a 2,000-ft-long tunnel), and reconfiguration of existing interchanges to improve congestion, mobility, and safety. Project Complexity The project is regarded as complex because of the very large scope of work, insufficient funds, undefined financing plans, the presence of several historic districts and neigh- borhoods, multiple jurisdictions, political and environmental issues, and requirements for ongoing public involvement. Design was virtually complete, but estimated construction costs ($4.1 billion) far exceeded available funds. Construction schedule, procurement, contracting, and so forth would depend on funding and financing plans that were under development (with recommendations due January 1, 2011). Figure A.13 shows the project complexity. Figure A.13. Louisville–Southern Indiana Ohio Bridge Crossing complexity diagram. Figure A.13. Louisville–Southern Indiana Ohio Bridge Crossing complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule

152 GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include determining involvement in ROW and utilities, determining work packages and sequencing, and establishing pub- lic involvement plans. NEW MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE Project Overview The New Mississippi River Bridge project between St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois, is a complex project consisting of building a new, four-lane, long- span, cable-stayed bridge across the Mississippi River 1 mi north of the existing Martin Luther King Bridge. In addition, the project includes a new North I-70 interchange roadway connec- tion between the existing I-70 and the new bridge, with further connections to the local St. Louis street system at Cass Avenue. On the Illinois side, the project includes a new I-70 connection roadway between the existing I-55, I-64, and I-70 Tri-Level Interchange and the main span and signifi- cant improvements at the I-55, I-64, and I-70 Tri-Level Interchange in East St. Louis, which will connect to I-70. The 1,500-ft main span will be the second-longest cable- stayed bridge in the United States upon completion. Project Complexity From the beginning, this project had several reasons to be considered a complex project, including time and cost constraints, technical complications, large scope, rail- road and utility coordination, and special appropriation (use it or lose it) funding. Crash incidence near the existing bridge was triple the national average, and the bridge ranks among the 10 worst corridors in the country in terms of congestion. Therefore, redesign and expansion of capacity were critical. Severe traffic (capacity, safety, and mobility) conditions also made the schedule a priority. The original project plan had to be re-scoped into viable phases, given available funding, without sacrificing the overall project vision. The risk of cost and schedule overruns had to be mitigated to protect funding opportunities. Figure A.14 shows the project complexity.

153 Appendix A: CASE STUDY SUMMARIES Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include designing to budget, perform- ing comprehensive risk analysis, and colocating team. NORTH CAROLINA TOLLWAY Project Overview In 2002, the North Carolina General Assembly created the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to respond to growth and congestion concerns in North Carolina. Two of the nine authorized projects are the Triangle Parkway and the Western Wake Parkway, which compose the Triangle Expressway. These two projects combine for a total of approximately 19 mi of new roadway on one side of Raleigh, North Carolina. These projects will be North Carolina’s first experience with modern toll facilities. Both projects were advertised initially in 2007, and completion is expected in 2011. The total awarded value of the project is approximately $583 million. Project Complexity This is the first tollway in North Carolina. Schedule and financing are keys to this project. It is important to get the project open to start collecting toll revenue. Figure A.15 shows the project complexity. Figure A.14. New Mississippi River Bridge complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule Figure A.14. New Mississippi River Bridge complexity diagram.

154 GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include preparing early cost model and finance plan and establishing flexible design criteria. NORTHERN GATEWAY TOLL ROAD Project Overview The Northern Gateway Toll Road was the first electronic toll road in New Zealand. This construction project was one of New Zealand’s largest, most challenging, and most complex to date. The project extends the four-lane Northern Motorway 7.5 km further north from Orewa to Puhoi through historically rich and diverse landscapes, steep topography, and local streams, and provides an alternative to the steep two-lane winding coastal route through Orewa and Waiwera. The $360 million extension of State Highway One was constructed to provide a straight and safe drive between Auckland and Northland. The project was delivered by the Northern Gateway Alliance (NGA), which comprised Transit New Zealand, Fulton Hogan, Leighton Contractors, URS New Zealand, Tonkin & Taylor, and Boffa Miskell. The road, which opened in January 2009, has become a visual showcase of environmental and engineering excellence. NGA was appointed by the New Zealand Transport Authority to deliver a major realignment and extension of the Northern Motorway approximately 30 km north of Auckland. This contract was the largest single contract to date ever awarded by the transport authority, which formed NGA in 2004 to design, manage, and construct the Figure A.15. North Carolina Tollway complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule Figure A.15. North Carolina Tollway complexity diagram.

155 Appendix A: CASE STUDY SUMMARIES State Highway One Northern Motorway extension. The project is being constructed through an area of very high environmental sensitivity and complex geology and topography. Project Complexity Funding was not in place at the start of the project, and environmental requirements insisted (forced) an early start of construction. Tunneling had not been done by the agency in decades, and the geotechnical situation was largely unknown. Consent condition was dependent on schedule. Immediate proof of starting con- struction was needed. Alliancing gave the option to start construction after initial design concepts. Year-by-year extensions were given by the environmental court to proceed. Funding was partly taken away before the start of construction. A business case was made to the Treasury, and the remaining money was borrowed in exchange for tolling rights for 35 years. The risk for this income was transferred to the Treasury. The alliance partners were aware that approval of this money was pending and the risk of the project being halted was shared. Figure A.16 shows the project complexity. Figure A.16. Northern Gateway Toll Road complexity diagram. Figure A.16. Northern Gateway Toll Road complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include defining project success by each dimension as required, selecting project arrangements on the basis of project outcomes, and establishing public involvement plans.

156 GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS T-REX SOUTHEAST I-25 AND I-225 Project Overview The Transportation Expansion (T-REX) project in Metro Denver, Colorado, consists of 17 mi of highway expansion and improvements to I-25 from Logan Street in Denver to Lincoln Avenue in Douglas County and to I-225 from Parker Road in Aurora to a newly configured I-25 and I-225 interchange. The project also included 19 mi of light rail developments along those routes. DB project delivery was selected because of its ability to reduce schedule and assign a single point of responsibility. The original cost for the project was $1.67 bil- lion, which included the following costs: • DB contract: $1.2 billion • Maintenance facility: $40 to $50 million • Siemens light rail vehicles: $100 million • ROW and administration: $100 million Project Complexity The project was considered complex because of the challenging work environment and the need to keep the highway open during construction, along with tracking of funding (highway versus traffic dollars) and the need to maintain bipartisan support, which created sensitive issues. Political parties did not want to lose elections because the T-REX project had failed. Figure A.17 shows the project complexity. Figure A.17. T-REX complexity diagram. Figure A.17. T-REX complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule

157 Appendix A: CASE STUDY SUMMARIES Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include selecting project arrangements on the basis of project outcomes, assembling project team, determining involvement in ROW and utilities, and establishing public involvement plans. TEXAS STATE HIGHWAY 161 Project Overview The Texas State Highway (TX SH) 161 project consists of construction of an 11.5-mi- long north–south tollway and frontage roads midway between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. The project will be built in phases with an overall construction cost of approxi- mately $1 billion. The southern terminus is at I-20 and runs north, with a full direct connector inter- change with I-30, and connects to the existing TX SH 161 on the north end with an interchange at TX SH 183. The case study project includes four phases and at least six subprojects. Project Complexity This project was complex because of its magnitude, multiple sources of financing, context (political influences), accelerated scheduling requirements, environmental con- cerns, and railroad involvement, as shown in Figure A.18. Figure A.18. Texas State Highway 161 project complexity diagram. Figure A.18. Texas State Highway 161 project complexity diagram. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Technical Cost FinancingContext Schedule Primary Methods and Tools Primary methods and tools used for the project include defining project success by each dimension as required, incentivizing critical project outcomes, and establishing public involvement plans.

TRB’s second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) Report S2-R10-RW-2: Guide to Project Management Strategies for Complex Projects facilitates the application of a five-dimensional management approach for complex projects. The objective of the guide is to identify and communicate the critical factors involved in successfully managing complex transportation design and construction projects. A training course based on the information in the guide was also developed.

In addition, SHRP 2 Renewal Project R10 developed two other reports:

• Project Management Strategies for Complex Projects , which describes the five-dimensional management approach for complex projects. The goal of the five-dimensional approach is to identify issues that should be planned and managed proactively, rather than retroactively. The five areas of the new project management approach address cost, schedule, engineering requirements, external influences, and financing; and
• Project Management Strategies for Complex Projects: Case Study Report , which includes case studies of 15 projects in the United States and three international projects that used tools that aid project managers in the delivery of complex projects.

Software Disclaimer: This software is offered as is, without warranty or promise of support of any kind either expressed or implied. Under no circumstance will the National Academy of Sciences or the Transportation Research Board (collectively "TRB") be liable for any loss or damage caused by the installation or operation of this product. TRB makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, including without limitation, the warranty of merchantability or the warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, and shall not in any case be liable for any consequential or special damages.

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Top 10 Project Management Case Studies with Examples!

Real cases are the concrete material for those who want to go into professions. The ten real-world project management case studies with examples look into successful project management strategies and emphasize the need for proper planning, communication, and problem solutions. They show us different sectors of the economy, from technology, construction, health, and many others. The case studies will help you develop a deeper knowledge of how project management tools are implemented in different situations. It doesn’t matter whether you are a project manager or aim to get certified as a PMP ; the case studies will be instrumental in that. Through this analysis, high project management significance is demonstrated and the strategies as well as means of achieving project success become clearer.

Brief Overview of Project Management

Process management involves scheduling, execution, and completion of tasks in a planned and interconnected way to achieve desired goals in a timely. Practical application: utilizing knowledge, resources, and processes to achieve project objectives efficiently. Moreover, project management aims to deliver customized outcomes within specified constraints like scope, time, cost, quality, and risk.

Lastly, the matter fact that effective project management needs good leadership skills, excellent communication, risk management, and the ability to change according to the circumstances becomes vital. Therefore, various project management methodologies , such as Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall, provide frameworks for guiding through their project life cycles.

Top 10 Project Management Case Studies and Examples

The following are the summaries of ten project management case studies and examples that highlight various aspects of successful project execution and lessons learned:

Case Study 1: The Sydney Opera House

The renowned Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s iconic symbols for architecture. This particular place is situated in Sydney, Australia. The project took off in the middle of the 1950s to produce a world-class entertainment facility towering the city skyline. The competition for the structure design was won by the Danish architect, Jørn Utzon with him becoming the lead of the building team, and the construction commenced immediately the following year.

Also, the design of the Opera House returns its shell-like constructions that are quite problematic both esthetic and engineering. It intended to produce a space that would be home to a diverse range of performing arts activities and become a symbol of Sydney, achieving this goal through a combination of its function and transformative design.

Subsequently, the Sydney Opera House case study is regarded as an important source of experience for project managers and they continue to underline the necessity of developing a holistic approach that involves leading practicians, highly efficient teamwork, and powerful project governance to be able to manage this kind of project successfully.

Case Study 2: NASA’s Mars Rover Mission

NASA farms the Mars Rover mission to discover and gain insight into the surface of the planet. Within these tracked roving vehicles are two-wheeled Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity alongside the most recent one Perseverance. All rovers had these instruments on board for Martian surface analysis, looking for traces of space biology, and studying the core history of the planets.

In addition, the program involves all-encompassing planning, impeccable calculations, and sophisticated technology to deliver impeccable results. For the discovery of the Moon’s geological dynamics, each rover was a testament to space exploration as well as robotics in scientific investigations.

Astronauts aboard Mars Rover involve the use of effective project management , risk identification, and adaptability, which are the keys to space exploration. This is another example of how such missions provide a learning and also development opportunity for future space exploration endeavors.

Case Study 3: The London Olympics 2012

Its aim was an uncomplicated worship of the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games which accepted athletes and spectators from the whole world as the participants. These world-changing constructions revolutionized and greatly influenced the everyday life of Londoners, shaping their way of life significantly.

Nevertheless, the London Olympics set a legacy beyond the lasting success of the event. Furthermore, authorities converted and repurposed the infrastructure surrounding Olympic Park for public use, stimulating urban regeneration efforts. The project management best practices for event planning are centered around environmental conservation measures, economic impact, and community intervention.

Case Study 4: Apple’s iPhone Development

Apple inc.; making the iPhone is the epitome of complex product development. There was no such thing as the iPhone in 2007, just a phone that was much more than that magical device that incorporated a phone, iPod, and internet communication appliance into a single thing. 

Designing a quality product involves integrating high-tech hardware, software, intuitive user interfaces, and various technologies seamlessly.

Apple’s iPhone exemplifies agile innovation, quality-speed balance, and lasting market impact, driving unparalleled business success.

Case Study 5: The Panama Canal Expansion

The 2016 announcement of the Panama Canal Extension addressed the need for accommodating larger vessels amid global seaborne trade growth. The first canal built, finished in 1914, could not have been a passageway for the size and capacity of these days’ ships. Additionally, the extension project targeted these inadequacies and intended to uplift the channel’s performance in terms of time-saving and upgrading the global shipping sector.

To conclude, the Panama Canal is an excellent example of how much infrastructure developments are needed as the world is rapidly changing. The project that stands behind the success of global collaboration and project risk management became the vehicle of a plan that influenced the way of doing international trade, and the Panamanian economy.

Case Study 6: The London Crossrail Project

The Crossrail London project, also called the Elizabeth Line, improves transportation connections in London through extensive rail network construction. The main goal is to design a straight east-west railway, spanning key city districts and neighboring territories.

Moreover, the London Crossrail line confronting the delays and overflows of funds, at last, created a disruptive shift in London public transport. In that respect, the positive results and public benefits show the role of major projects that focus on green transit infrastructure in creating urban connectivity and driving ecological and social development.

Case Study 7: The Big Dig – Boston Central Artery/Tunnel Project

The Big Dig, of the Boston, Massachusetts, Central Artery/Tunnel Project was this outstanding public works effort. The project aimed to enhance urban transportation by replacing the Central Artery with tunnels, bridges, and interchanges to expedite traffic.

The project required innovative engineering to tackle tunnel construction, soil conditions, and water management challenges. Moreover, effective public and political expectations management was critical, necessitating extensive public engagement, transparent communication, and collaboration across government entities.

Despite facing delays and cost overruns, completing the Big Dig in 2007 marked a transformative moment for Boston. The project achieved its goals of improving traffic, revitalizing urban areas, and driving economic growth through new developments. Therefore, the success of the Big Dig serves as a case study in adaptive project management, overcoming technical complexities, and achieving positive urban and economic outcomes in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Case Study 8: The Hoover Dam

Planners began the Hoover Dam project in 1936, aiming to meet water and electricity needs in the southwestern USA. Additionally, technologically innovative, the dam featured an arch-gravity design and introduced advanced concrete construction methods. Engineers overcame desert conditions using continuous pouring and refrigeration to counter high temperatures during construction.

Moreover, the Hoover Dam’s enduring impact includes water supply management by creating Lake Mead, one of the largest U.S. reservoirs. The power plant at Hoover Dam generates electricity for the regional grid, serving as a reliable and ongoing energy source. The dam has gained significance beyond its strict utilitarian role. The dam symbolizes America’s resilience and cleverness, drawing millions of visitors to appreciate its cultural, historical, and engineering significance.

Case Study 9: The Airbus A380 Project

The Airbus A380 holds this exceptional record and thereby symbolizes a development breakthrough in the aviation industry in 2007 respectively. The designers created the twin-deck, wide-body aircraft for maximum capacity and comfort, making it ideal for long-distance travel.

Also, it serves the global collaboration in aerospace engineering evidenced by the contributions of different countries as the project was taken as a whole.  Moreover, the Airbus A380 project portrays the complexities of global collaboration, overcoming technical difficulties, and embedding oneself in the competition of the aerospace industry as well. The A380’s impact on aviation underscores lessons in adaptation and environmental consciousness for shaping tomorrow’s airline transportation.

Case Study 10: The Hubble Space Telescope Repair Mission

The HST Mission repaired the telescope’s optical issues, unleashing its full astronomical potential and overcoming initial obstacles. Starting in 1990, Hubble had a manufacturing problem in one of the primary mirrors, which caused blurred images. As a consequence of that day, NASA carried out the first mission of servicing (STS-61) in 1993. Astronauts conducted a complex EVA to install WFPC-2 optics on Space Shuttle Endeavour, addressing Hubble’s optical issues.

However, this repair mission showcased the collaborative efforts of NASA and astronauts, emphasizing meticulous training, communication, and problem-solving skills. The success of the mission marked a turning point for Hubble, transforming it into a premier astronomical observatory. Subsequent servicing missions further upgraded instruments, extending Hubble’s lifespan and contributing to groundbreaking scientific discoveries. 

These top 10 project management scenarios showcase real-world industry challenges in action. Thus, from the dissertation of the given cases, you can be more capable of leading your projects appropriately. Would you like to elevate your expertise? Join our project management course package now, which covers everything from detailed instructions to hands-on experience.

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Please note you do not have access to teaching notes, improving research labs’ performance through project management guidelines: a case study analysis.

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management

ISSN : 1741-0401

Article publication date: 28 August 2020

Issue publication date: 8 February 2021

The article aims to critically analyze the project management developed by research laboratories of a Brazilian university in order to enhance their performance. For this, a critical analysis was performed to identify existing opportunities about the management of schedules and resources. Additionally, a software was developed to enable performance improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological procedures used were literature review, for a theoretical foundation, and case study conducted with semi-structured interviews, documentary research and on-site visits. Through a detailed critical analysis of the laboratories' management, it was possible to understand the activities developed and map the main difficulties observed.

A total of five plausible points of improvement were identified, namely reduced teams and accumulation of activities; team seasonality; centralized management; deviations from projects and schedule control. Based on the theoretical foundation, it has been proposed adjustments to minimize the mentioned difficulties that can greatly contribute for better management efficiency of multiple research projects. In addition, a software was structured based on the proposed improvements. The laboratories' performance was monitored for a month and significant improvements were observed.

Practical implications

The information presented here may be of great value to other researchers interested in enhancing research laboratory performance.

Originality/value

The academic literature presents several examples of project management guidelines application in different organizations; however, there are few studies about the application of them in research laboratories and how to improve their performance.

• Performance
• Research laboratories
• Project management
• Schedule management
• Resources management

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) under Grants 307536/2018-1; and by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior–Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001, under process 88887.464433/2019-00.

Pacheco Junior, M.A. , Anholon, R. , Rampasso, I.S. and Leal Filho, W. (2021), "Improving research labs’ performance through project management guidelines: a case study analysis", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management , Vol. 70 No. 3, pp. 704-721. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-11-2019-0536

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Planning with Networks: A Case Study in Project Management

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Ingram, A.W. (1972). Planning with Networks: A Case Study in Project Management. In: Case Studies in Business Administration. Business Case Studies. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-01533-7_5

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Definition and Introduction

Case analysis is a problem-based teaching and learning method that involves critically analyzing complex scenarios within an organizational setting for the purpose of placing the student in a “real world” situation and applying reflection and critical thinking skills to contemplate appropriate solutions, decisions, or recommended courses of action. It is considered a more effective teaching technique than in-class role playing or simulation activities. The analytical process is often guided by questions provided by the instructor that ask students to contemplate relationships between the facts and critical incidents described in the case.

Cases generally include both descriptive and statistical elements and rely on students applying abductive reasoning to develop and argue for preferred or best outcomes [i.e., case scenarios rarely have a single correct or perfect answer based on the evidence provided]. Rather than emphasizing theories or concepts, case analysis assignments emphasize building a bridge of relevancy between abstract thinking and practical application and, by so doing, teaches the value of both within a specific area of professional practice.

Given this, the purpose of a case analysis paper is to present a structured and logically organized format for analyzing the case situation. It can be assigned to students individually or as a small group assignment and it may include an in-class presentation component. Case analysis is predominately taught in economics and business-related courses, but it is also a method of teaching and learning found in other applied social sciences disciplines, such as, social work, public relations, education, journalism, and public administration.

Ellet, William. The Case Study Handbook: A Student's Guide . Revised Edition. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Publishing, 2018; Christoph Rasche and Achim Seisreiner. Guidelines for Business Case Analysis . University of Potsdam; Writing a Case Analysis . Writing Center, Baruch College; Volpe, Guglielmo. "Case Teaching in Economics: History, Practice and Evidence." Cogent Economics and Finance 3 (December 2015). doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2015.1120977.

How to Approach Writing a Case Analysis Paper

The organization and structure of a case analysis paper can vary depending on the organizational setting, the situation, and how your professor wants you to approach the assignment. Nevertheless, preparing to write a case analysis paper involves several important steps. As Hawes notes, a case analysis assignment “...is useful in developing the ability to get to the heart of a problem, analyze it thoroughly, and to indicate the appropriate solution as well as how it should be implemented” [p.48]. This statement encapsulates how you should approach preparing to write a case analysis paper.

Before you begin to write your paper, consider the following analytical procedures:

• Review the case to get an overview of the situation . A case can be only a few pages in length, however, it is most often very lengthy and contains a significant amount of detailed background information and statistics, with multilayered descriptions of the scenario, the roles and behaviors of various stakeholder groups, and situational events. Therefore, a quick reading of the case will help you gain an overall sense of the situation and illuminate the types of issues and problems that you will need to address in your paper. If your professor has provided questions intended to help frame your analysis, use them to guide your initial reading of the case.
• Read the case thoroughly . After gaining a general overview of the case, carefully read the content again with the purpose of understanding key circumstances, events, and behaviors among stakeholder groups. Look for information or data that appears contradictory, extraneous, or misleading. At this point, you should be taking notes as you read because this will help you develop a general outline of your paper. The aim is to obtain a complete understanding of the situation so that you can begin contemplating tentative answers to any questions your professor has provided or, if they have not provided, developing answers to your own questions about the case scenario and its connection to the course readings,lectures, and class discussions.
• Determine key stakeholder groups, issues, and events and the relationships they all have to each other . As you analyze the content, pay particular attention to identifying individuals, groups, or organizations described in the case and identify evidence of any problems or issues of concern that impact the situation in a negative way. Other things to look for include identifying any assumptions being made by or about each stakeholder, potential biased explanations or actions, explicit demands or ultimatums , and the underlying concerns that motivate these behaviors among stakeholders. The goal at this stage is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the situational and behavioral dynamics of the case and the explicit and implicit consequences of each of these actions.
• Identify the core problems . The next step in most case analysis assignments is to discern what the core [i.e., most damaging, detrimental, injurious] problems are within the organizational setting and to determine their implications. The purpose at this stage of preparing to write your analysis paper is to distinguish between the symptoms of core problems and the core problems themselves and to decide which of these must be addressed immediately and which problems do not appear critical but may escalate over time. Identify evidence from the case to support your decisions by determining what information or data is essential to addressing the core problems and what information is not relevant or is misleading.
• Explore alternative solutions . As noted, case analysis scenarios rarely have only one correct answer. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the process of analyzing the case and diagnosing core problems, while based on evidence, is a subjective process open to various avenues of interpretation. This means that you must consider alternative solutions or courses of action by critically examining strengths and weaknesses, risk factors, and the differences between short and long-term solutions. For each possible solution or course of action, consider the consequences they may have related to their implementation and how these recommendations might lead to new problems. Also, consider thinking about your recommended solutions or courses of action in relation to issues of fairness, equity, and inclusion.
• Decide on a final set of recommendations . The last stage in preparing to write a case analysis paper is to assert an opinion or viewpoint about the recommendations needed to help resolve the core problems as you see them and to make a persuasive argument for supporting this point of view. Prepare a clear rationale for your recommendations based on examining each element of your analysis. Anticipate possible obstacles that could derail their implementation. Consider any counter-arguments that could be made concerning the validity of your recommended actions. Finally, describe a set of criteria and measurable indicators that could be applied to evaluating the effectiveness of your implementation plan.

Use these steps as the framework for writing your paper. Remember that the more detailed you are in taking notes as you critically examine each element of the case, the more information you will have to draw from when you begin to write. This will save you time.

NOTE : If the process of preparing to write a case analysis paper is assigned as a student group project, consider having each member of the group analyze a specific element of the case, including drafting answers to the corresponding questions used by your professor to frame the analysis. This will help make the analytical process more efficient and ensure that the distribution of work is equitable. This can also facilitate who is responsible for drafting each part of the final case analysis paper and, if applicable, the in-class presentation.

Framework for Case Analysis . College of Management. University of Massachusetts; Hawes, Jon M. "Teaching is Not Telling: The Case Method as a Form of Interactive Learning." Journal for Advancement of Marketing Education 5 (Winter 2004): 47-54; Rasche, Christoph and Achim Seisreiner. Guidelines for Business Case Analysis . University of Potsdam; Writing a Case Study Analysis . University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center; Van Ness, Raymond K. A Guide to Case Analysis . School of Business. State University of New York, Albany; Writing a Case Analysis . Business School, University of New South Wales.

Structure and Writing Style

A case analysis paper should be detailed, concise, persuasive, clearly written, and professional in tone and in the use of language . As with other forms of college-level academic writing, declarative statements that convey information, provide a fact, or offer an explanation or any recommended courses of action should be based on evidence. If allowed by your professor, any external sources used to support your analysis, such as course readings, should be properly cited under a list of references. The organization and structure of case analysis papers can vary depending on your professor’s preferred format, but its structure generally follows the steps used for analyzing the case.

Introduction

The introduction should provide a succinct but thorough descriptive overview of the main facts, issues, and core problems of the case . The introduction should also include a brief summary of the most relevant details about the situation and organizational setting. This includes defining the theoretical framework or conceptual model on which any questions were used to frame your analysis.

Following the rules of most college-level research papers, the introduction should then inform the reader how the paper will be organized. This includes describing the major sections of the paper and the order in which they will be presented. Unless you are told to do so by your professor, you do not need to preview your final recommendations in the introduction. U nlike most college-level research papers , the introduction does not include a statement about the significance of your findings because a case analysis assignment does not involve contributing new knowledge about a research problem.

Background Analysis

Background analysis can vary depending on any guiding questions provided by your professor and the underlying concept or theory that the case is based upon. In general, however, this section of your paper should focus on:

• Providing an overarching analysis of problems identified from the case scenario, including identifying events that stakeholders find challenging or troublesome,
• Identifying assumptions made by each stakeholder and any apparent biases they may exhibit,
• Describing any demands or claims made by or forced upon key stakeholders, and
• Highlighting any issues of concern or complaints expressed by stakeholders in response to those demands or claims.

These aspects of the case are often in the form of behavioral responses expressed by individuals or groups within the organizational setting. However, note that problems in a case situation can also be reflected in data [or the lack thereof] and in the decision-making, operational, cultural, or institutional structure of the organization. Additionally, demands or claims can be either internal and external to the organization [e.g., a case analysis involving a president considering arms sales to Saudi Arabia could include managing internal demands from White House advisors as well as demands from members of Congress].

Throughout this section, present all relevant evidence from the case that supports your analysis. Do not simply claim there is a problem, an assumption, a demand, or a concern; tell the reader what part of the case informed how you identified these background elements.

Identification of Problems

In most case analysis assignments, there are problems, and then there are problems . Each problem can reflect a multitude of underlying symptoms that are detrimental to the interests of the organization. The purpose of identifying problems is to teach students how to differentiate between problems that vary in severity, impact, and relative importance. Given this, problems can be described in three general forms: those that must be addressed immediately, those that should be addressed but the impact is not severe, and those that do not require immediate attention and can be set aside for the time being.

All of the problems you identify from the case should be identified in this section of your paper, with a description based on evidence explaining the problem variances. If the assignment asks you to conduct research to further support your assessment of the problems, include this in your explanation. Remember to cite those sources in a list of references. Use specific evidence from the case and apply appropriate concepts, theories, and models discussed in class or in relevant course readings to highlight and explain the key problems [or problem] that you believe must be solved immediately and describe the underlying symptoms and why they are so critical.

Alternative Solutions

This section is where you provide specific, realistic, and evidence-based solutions to the problems you have identified and make recommendations about how to alleviate the underlying symptomatic conditions impacting the organizational setting. For each solution, you must explain why it was chosen and provide clear evidence to support your reasoning. This can include, for example, course readings and class discussions as well as research resources, such as, books, journal articles, research reports, or government documents. In some cases, your professor may encourage you to include personal, anecdotal experiences as evidence to support why you chose a particular solution or set of solutions. Using anecdotal evidence helps promote reflective thinking about the process of determining what qualifies as a core problem and relevant solution .

Throughout this part of the paper, keep in mind the entire array of problems that must be addressed and describe in detail the solutions that might be implemented to resolve these problems.

Recommended Courses of Action

In some case analysis assignments, your professor may ask you to combine the alternative solutions section with your recommended courses of action. However, it is important to know the difference between the two. A solution refers to the answer to a problem. A course of action refers to a procedure or deliberate sequence of activities adopted to proactively confront a situation, often in the context of accomplishing a goal. In this context, proposed courses of action are based on your analysis of alternative solutions. Your description and justification for pursuing each course of action should represent the overall plan for implementing your recommendations.

For each course of action, you need to explain the rationale for your recommendation in a way that confronts challenges, explains risks, and anticipates any counter-arguments from stakeholders. Do this by considering the strengths and weaknesses of each course of action framed in relation to how the action is expected to resolve the core problems presented, the possible ways the action may affect remaining problems, and how the recommended action will be perceived by each stakeholder.

In addition, you should describe the criteria needed to measure how well the implementation of these actions is working and explain which individuals or groups are responsible for ensuring your recommendations are successful. In addition, always consider the law of unintended consequences. Outline difficulties that may arise in implementing each course of action and describe how implementing the proposed courses of action [either individually or collectively] may lead to new problems [both large and small].

Throughout this section, you must consider the costs and benefits of recommending your courses of action in relation to uncertainties or missing information and the negative consequences of success.

The conclusion should be brief and introspective. Unlike a research paper, the conclusion in a case analysis paper does not include a summary of key findings and their significance, a statement about how the study contributed to existing knowledge, or indicate opportunities for future research.

Begin by synthesizing the core problems presented in the case and the relevance of your recommended solutions. This can include an explanation of what you have learned about the case in the context of your answers to the questions provided by your professor. The conclusion is also where you link what you learned from analyzing the case with the course readings or class discussions. This can further demonstrate your understanding of the relationships between the practical case situation and the theoretical and abstract content of assigned readings and other course content.

Problems to Avoid

The literature on case analysis assignments often includes examples of difficulties students have with applying methods of critical analysis and effectively reporting the results of their assessment of the situation. A common reason cited by scholars is that the application of this type of teaching and learning method is limited to applied fields of social and behavioral sciences and, as a result, writing a case analysis paper can be unfamiliar to most students entering college.

After you have drafted your paper, proofread the narrative flow and revise any of these common errors:

• Unnecessary detail in the background section . The background section should highlight the essential elements of the case based on your analysis. Focus on summarizing the facts and highlighting the key factors that become relevant in the other sections of the paper by eliminating any unnecessary information.
• Analysis relies too much on opinion . Your analysis is interpretive, but the narrative must be connected clearly to evidence from the case and any models and theories discussed in class or in course readings. Any positions or arguments you make should be supported by evidence.
• Analysis does not focus on the most important elements of the case . Your paper should provide a thorough overview of the case. However, the analysis should focus on providing evidence about what you identify are the key events, stakeholders, issues, and problems. Emphasize what you identify as the most critical aspects of the case to be developed throughout your analysis. Be thorough but succinct.
• Writing is too descriptive . A paper with too much descriptive information detracts from your analysis of the complexities of the case situation. Questions about what happened, where, when, and by whom should only be included as essential information leading to your examination of questions related to why, how, and for what purpose.
• Inadequate definition of a core problem and associated symptoms . A common error found in case analysis papers is recommending a solution or course of action without adequately defining or demonstrating that you understand the problem. Make sure you have clearly described the problem and its impact and scope within the organizational setting. Ensure that you have adequately described the root causes w hen describing the symptoms of the problem.
• Recommendations lack specificity . Identify any use of vague statements and indeterminate terminology, such as, “A particular experience” or “a large increase to the budget.” These statements cannot be measured and, as a result, there is no way to evaluate their successful implementation. Provide specific data and use direct language in describing recommended actions.
• Unrealistic, exaggerated, or unattainable recommendations . Review your recommendations to ensure that they are based on the situational facts of the case. Your recommended solutions and courses of action must be based on realistic assumptions and fit within the constraints of the situation. Also note that the case scenario has already happened, therefore, any speculation or arguments about what could have occurred if the circumstances were different should be revised or eliminated.

Bee, Lian Song et al. "Business Students' Perspectives on Case Method Coaching for Problem-Based Learning: Impacts on Student Engagement and Learning Performance in Higher Education." Education & Training 64 (2022): 416-432; The Case Analysis . Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors. Grand Valley State University; Georgallis, Panikos and Kayleigh Bruijn. "Sustainability Teaching using Case-Based Debates." Journal of International Education in Business 15 (2022): 147-163; Hawes, Jon M. "Teaching is Not Telling: The Case Method as a Form of Interactive Learning." Journal for Advancement of Marketing Education 5 (Winter 2004): 47-54; Georgallis, Panikos, and Kayleigh Bruijn. "Sustainability Teaching Using Case-based Debates." Journal of International Education in Business 15 (2022): 147-163; .Dean,  Kathy Lund and Charles J. Fornaciari. "How to Create and Use Experiential Case-Based Exercises in a Management Classroom." Journal of Management Education 26 (October 2002): 586-603; Klebba, Joanne M. and Janet G. Hamilton. "Structured Case Analysis: Developing Critical Thinking Skills in a Marketing Case Course." Journal of Marketing Education 29 (August 2007): 132-137, 139; Klein, Norman. "The Case Discussion Method Revisited: Some Questions about Student Skills." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 30-32; Mukherjee, Arup. "Effective Use of In-Class Mini Case Analysis for Discovery Learning in an Undergraduate MIS Course." The Journal of Computer Information Systems 40 (Spring 2000): 15-23; Pessoa, Silviaet al. "Scaffolding the Case Analysis in an Organizational Behavior Course: Making Analytical Language Explicit." Journal of Management Education 46 (2022): 226-251: Ramsey, V. J. and L. D. Dodge. "Case Analysis: A Structured Approach." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 27-29; Schweitzer, Karen. "How to Write and Format a Business Case Study." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-write-and-format-a-business-case-study-466324 (accessed December 5, 2022); Reddy, C. D. "Teaching Research Methodology: Everything's a Case." Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods 18 (December 2020): 178-188; Volpe, Guglielmo. "Case Teaching in Economics: History, Practice and Evidence." Cogent Economics and Finance 3 (December 2015). doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2015.1120977.

Writing Tip

Ca se Study and Case Analysis Are Not the Same!

Confusion often exists between what it means to write a paper that uses a case study research design and writing a paper that analyzes a case; they are two different types of approaches to learning in the social and behavioral sciences. Professors as well as educational researchers contribute to this confusion because they often use the term "case study" when describing the subject of analysis for a case analysis paper. But you are not studying a case for the purpose of generating a comprehensive, multi-faceted understanding of a research problem. R ather, you are critically analyzing a specific scenario to argue logically for recommended solutions and courses of action that lead to optimal outcomes applicable to professional practice.

To avoid any confusion, here are twelve characteristics that delineate the differences between writing a paper using the case study research method and writing a case analysis paper:

• Case study is a method of in-depth research and rigorous inquiry ; case analysis is a reliable method of teaching and learning . A case study is a modality of research that investigates a phenomenon for the purpose of creating new knowledge, solving a problem, or testing a hypothesis using empirical evidence derived from the case being studied. Often, the results are used to generalize about a larger population or within a wider context. The writing adheres to the traditional standards of a scholarly research study. A case analysis is a pedagogical tool used to teach students how to reflect and think critically about a practical, real-life problem in an organizational setting.
• The researcher is responsible for identifying the case to study; a case analysis is assigned by your professor . As the researcher, you choose the case study to investigate in support of obtaining new knowledge and understanding about the research problem. The case in a case analysis assignment is almost always provided, and sometimes written, by your professor and either given to every student in class to analyze individually or to a small group of students, or students select a case to analyze from a predetermined list.
• A case study is indeterminate and boundless; a case analysis is predetermined and confined . A case study can be almost anything [see item 9 below] as long as it relates directly to examining the research problem. This relationship is the only limit to what a researcher can choose as the subject of their case study. The content of a case analysis is determined by your professor and its parameters are well-defined and limited to elucidating insights of practical value applied to practice.
• Case study is fact-based and describes actual events or situations; case analysis can be entirely fictional or adapted from an actual situation . The entire content of a case study must be grounded in reality to be a valid subject of investigation in an empirical research study. A case analysis only needs to set the stage for critically examining a situation in practice and, therefore, can be entirely fictional or adapted, all or in-part, from an actual situation.
• Research using a case study method must adhere to principles of intellectual honesty and academic integrity; a case analysis scenario can include misleading or false information . A case study paper must report research objectively and factually to ensure that any findings are understood to be logically correct and trustworthy. A case analysis scenario may include misleading or false information intended to deliberately distract from the central issues of the case. The purpose is to teach students how to sort through conflicting or useless information in order to come up with the preferred solution. Any use of misleading or false information in academic research is considered unethical.
• Case study is linked to a research problem; case analysis is linked to a practical situation or scenario . In the social sciences, the subject of an investigation is most often framed as a problem that must be researched in order to generate new knowledge leading to a solution. Case analysis narratives are grounded in real life scenarios for the purpose of examining the realities of decision-making behavior and processes within organizational settings. A case analysis assignments include a problem or set of problems to be analyzed. However, the goal is centered around the act of identifying and evaluating courses of action leading to best possible outcomes.
• The purpose of a case study is to create new knowledge through research; the purpose of a case analysis is to teach new understanding . Case studies are a choice of methodological design intended to create new knowledge about resolving a research problem. A case analysis is a mode of teaching and learning intended to create new understanding and an awareness of uncertainty applied to practice through acts of critical thinking and reflection.
• A case study seeks to identify the best possible solution to a research problem; case analysis can have an indeterminate set of solutions or outcomes . Your role in studying a case is to discover the most logical, evidence-based ways to address a research problem. A case analysis assignment rarely has a single correct answer because one of the goals is to force students to confront the real life dynamics of uncertainly, ambiguity, and missing or conflicting information within professional practice. Under these conditions, a perfect outcome or solution almost never exists.
• Case study is unbounded and relies on gathering external information; case analysis is a self-contained subject of analysis . The scope of a case study chosen as a method of research is bounded. However, the researcher is free to gather whatever information and data is necessary to investigate its relevance to understanding the research problem. For a case analysis assignment, your professor will often ask you to examine solutions or recommended courses of action based solely on facts and information from the case.
• Case study can be a person, place, object, issue, event, condition, or phenomenon; a case analysis is a carefully constructed synopsis of events, situations, and behaviors . The research problem dictates the type of case being studied and, therefore, the design can encompass almost anything tangible as long as it fulfills the objective of generating new knowledge and understanding. A case analysis is in the form of a narrative containing descriptions of facts, situations, processes, rules, and behaviors within a particular setting and under a specific set of circumstances.
• Case study can represent an open-ended subject of inquiry; a case analysis is a narrative about something that has happened in the past . A case study is not restricted by time and can encompass an event or issue with no temporal limit or end. For example, the current war in Ukraine can be used as a case study of how medical personnel help civilians during a large military conflict, even though circumstances around this event are still evolving. A case analysis can be used to elicit critical thinking about current or future situations in practice, but the case itself is a narrative about something finite and that has taken place in the past.
• Multiple case studies can be used in a research study; case analysis involves examining a single scenario . Case study research can use two or more cases to examine a problem, often for the purpose of conducting a comparative investigation intended to discover hidden relationships, document emerging trends, or determine variations among different examples. A case analysis assignment typically describes a stand-alone, self-contained situation and any comparisons among cases are conducted during in-class discussions and/or student presentations.

The Case Analysis . Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors. Grand Valley State University; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Ramsey, V. J. and L. D. Dodge. "Case Analysis: A Structured Approach." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 27-29; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods . 6th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2017; Crowe, Sarah et al. “The Case Study Approach.” BMC Medical Research Methodology 11 (2011):  doi: 10.1186/1471-2288-11-100; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research: Design and Methods . 4th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishing; 1994.

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How to Write a Business Case (Template Included)

Table of Contents

What is a business case, how to write a business case, business case template, watch our business case training video, key elements of a business case, how projectmanager helps with your business case.

A business case is a project management document that explains how the benefits of a project overweigh its costs and why it should be executed. Business cases are prepared during the project initiation phase and their purpose is to include all the project’s objectives, costs and benefits to convince stakeholders of its value.

A business case is an important project document to prove to your client, customer or stakeholder that the project proposal you’re pitching is a sound investment. Below, we illustrate the steps to writing one that will sway them.

The need for a business case is that it collects the financial appraisal, proposal, strategy and marketing plan in one document and offers a full look at how the project will benefit the organization. Once your business case is approved by the project stakeholders, you can begin the project planning phase.

Projects fail without having a solid business case to rest on, as this project document is the base for the project charter and project plan. But if a project business case is not anchored to reality, and doesn’t address a need that aligns with the larger business objectives of the organization, then it is irrelevant.

Get your free

Use this free Business Case Template for Word to manage your projects better.

The research you’ll need to create a strong business case is the why, what, how and who of your project. This must be clearly communicated. The elements of your business case will address the why but in greater detail. Think of the business case as a document that is created during the project initiation phase but will be used as a reference throughout the project life cycle.

Whether you’re starting a new project or mid-way through one, take time to write up a business case to justify the project expenditure by identifying the business benefits your project will deliver and that your stakeholders are most interested in reaping from the work. The following four steps will show you how to write a business case.

Step 1: Identify the Business Problem

Projects aren’t created for projects’ sake. They should always be aligned with business goals . Usually, they’re initiated to solve a specific business problem or create a business opportunity.

You should “Lead with the need.” Your first job is to figure out what that problem or opportunity is, describe it, find out where it comes from and then address the time frame needed to deal with it.

This can be a simple statement but is best articulated with some research into the economic climate and the competitive landscape to justify the timing of the project.

Step 2: Identify the Alternative Solutions

How do you know whether the project you’re undertaking is the best possible solution to the problem defined above? Naturally, prioritizing projects is hard, and the path to success is not paved with unfounded assumptions.

One way to narrow down the focus to make the right solution clear is to follow these six steps (after the relevant research, of course):

• Note the alternative solutions.
• For each solution, quantify its benefits.
• Also, forecast the costs involved in each solution.
• Then figure out its feasibility .
• Discern the risks and issues associated with each solution.
• Finally, document all this in your business case.

Step 3: Recommend a Preferred Solution

You’ll next need to rank the solutions, but before doing that it’s best to set up criteria, maybe have a scoring mechanism such as a decision matrix to help you prioritize the solutions to best choose the right one.

Some methodologies you can apply include:

• Depending on the solution’s cost and benefit , give it a score of 1-10.
• Base your score on what’s important to you.
• Add more complexity to your ranking to cover all bases.

Regardless of your approach, once you’ve added up your numbers, the best solution to your problem will become evident. Again, you’ll want to have this process also documented in your business case.

Step 4: Describe the Implementation Approach

So, you’ve identified your business problem or opportunity and how to reach it, now you have to convince your stakeholders that you’re right and have the best way to implement a process to achieve your goals. That’s why documentation is so important; it offers a practical path to solve the core problem you identified.

Now, it’s not just an exercise to appease senior leadership. Who knows what you might uncover in the research you put into exploring the underlying problem and determining alternative solutions? You might save the organization millions with an alternate solution than the one initially proposed. When you put in the work on a strong business case, you’re able to get your sponsors or organizational leadership on board with you and have a clear vision as to how to ensure the delivery of the business benefits they expect.

Our business case template for Word is the perfect tool to start writing a business case. It has 9 key business case areas you can customize as needed. Download the template for free and follow the steps below to create a great business case for all your projects.

One of the key steps to starting a business case is to have a business case checklist. The following is a detailed outline to follow when developing your business case. You can choose which of these elements are the most relevant to your project stakeholders and add them to our business case template. Then once your business case is approved, start managing your projects with a robust project management software such as ProjectManager.

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is a short version of each section of your business case. It’s used to give stakeholders a quick overview of your project.

2. Project Definition

This section is meant to provide general information about your projects, such as the business objectives that will be achieved and the project plan outline.

3. Vision, Goals and Objectives

First, you have to figure out what you’re trying to do and what is the problem you want to solve. You’ll need to define your project vision, goals and objectives. This will help you shape your project scope and identify project deliverables.

4. Project Scope

The project scope determines all the tasks and deliverables that will be executed in your project to reach your business objectives.

5. Background Information

Here you can provide a context for your project, explaining the problem that it’s meant to solve, and how it aligns with your organization’s vision and strategic plan.

6. Success Criteria and Stakeholder Requirements

Depending on what kind of project you’re working on, the quality requirements will differ, but they are critical to the project’s success. Collect all of them, figure out what determines if you’ve successfully met them and report on the results .

7. Project Plan

It’s time to create the project plan. Figure out the tasks you’ll have to take to get the project done. You can use a work breakdown structure template  to make sure you are through. Once you have all the tasks collected, estimate how long it will take to complete each one.

Project management software makes creating a project plan significantly easier. ProjectManager can upload your work breakdown structure template and all your tasks are populated in our tool. You can organize them according to your production cycle with our kanban board view, or use our Gantt chart view to create a project schedule.

8. Project Budget

Your budget is an estimate of everything in your project plan and what it will cost to complete the project over the scheduled time allotted.

9. Project Schedule

Make a timeline for the project by estimating how long it will take to get each task completed. For a more impactful project schedule , use a tool to make a Gantt chart, and print it out. This will provide that extra flourish of data visualization and skill that Excel sheets lack.

10. Project Governance

Project governance refers to all the project management rules and procedures that apply to your project. For example, it defines the roles and responsibilities of the project team members and the framework for decision-making.

11. Communication Plan

Have milestones for check-ins and status updates, as well as determine how stakeholders will stay aware of the progress over the project life cycle.

12. Progress Reports

Have a plan in place to monitor and track your progress during the project to compare planned to actual progress. There are project tracking tools that can help you monitor progress and performance.

Again, using a project management tool improves your ability to see what’s happening in your project. ProjectManager has tracking tools like dashboards and status reports that give you a high-level view and more detail, respectively. Unlike light-weight apps that make you set up a dashboard, ours is embedded in the tool. Better still, our cloud-based software gives you real-time data for more insightful decision-making. Also, get reports on more than just status updates, but timesheets, workload, portfolio status and much more, all with just one click. Then filter the reports and share them with stakeholders to keep them updated.

13. Financial Appraisal

This is a very important section of your business case because this is where you explain how the financial benefits outweigh the project costs . Compare the financial costs and benefits of your project. You can do this by doing a sensitivity analysis and a cost-benefit analysis.

14. Market Assessment

Research your market, competitors and industry, to find opportunities and threats

15. Competitor Analysis

Identify direct and indirect competitors and do an assessment of their products, strengths, competitive advantages and their business strategy.

16. SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis helps you identify your organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The strengths and weaknesses are internal, while the opportunities and threats are external.

17. Marketing Strategy

Describe your product, distribution channels, pricing, target customers among other aspects of your marketing plan or strategy.

18. Risk Assessment

There are many risk categories that can impact your project. The first step to mitigating them is to identify and analyze the risks associated with your project activities.

ProjectManager , an award-winning project management software, can collect and assemble all the various data you’ll be collecting, and then easily share it both with your team and project sponsors.

Once you have a spreadsheet with all your tasks listed, you can import it into our software. Then it’s instantly populated into a Gantt chart . Simply set the duration for each of the tasks, add any dependencies, and your project is now spread across a timeline. You can set milestones, but there is so much more you can do.

You have a project plan now, and from the online Gantt chart, you can assign team members to tasks. Then they can comment directly on the tasks they’re working on, adding as many documents and images as needed, fostering a collaborative environment. You can track their progress and change task durations as needed by dragging and dropping the start and end dates.

But that’s only a taste of what ProjectManager offers. We have kanban boards that visualize your workflow and a real-time dashboard that tracks six project metrics for the most accurate view of your project possible.

Try ProjectManager and see for yourself with this 30-day free trial .

If you want more business case advice, take a moment to watch Jennifer Bridges, PMP, in this short training video. She explains the steps you have to take in order to write a good business case.

Here’s a screenshot for your reference.

Transcription:

Today we’re talking about how to write a business case. Well, over the past few years, we’ve seen the market, or maybe organizations, companies or even projects, move away from doing business cases. But, these days, companies, organizations, and those same projects are scrutinizing the investments and they’re really seeking a rate of return.

So now, think of the business case as your opportunity to package your project, your idea, your opportunity, and show what it means and what the benefits are and how other people can benefit.

We want to take a look today to see what’s in the business case and how to write one. I want to be clear that when you look for information on a business case, it’s not a briefcase.

Someone called the other day and they were confused because they were looking for something, and they kept pulling up briefcases. That’s not what we’re talking about today. What we’re talking about are business cases, and they include information about your strategies, about your goals. It is your business proposal. It has your business outline, your business strategy, and even your marketing plan.

Why Do You Need a Business Case?

And so, why is that so important today? Again, companies are seeking not only their project managers but their team members to have a better understanding of business and more of an idea business acumen. So this business case provides the justification for the proposed business change or plan. It outlines the allocation of capital that you may be seeking and the resources required to implement it. Then, it can be an action plan . It may just serve as a unified vision. And then it also provides the decision-makers with different options.

So let’s look more at the steps required to put these business cases together. There are four main steps. One, you want to research your market. Really look at what’s out there, where are the needs, where are the gaps that you can serve? Look at your competition. How are they approaching this, and how can you maybe provide some other alternatives?

You want to compare and finalize different approaches that you can use to go to market. Then you compile that data and you present strategies, your goals and other options to be considered.

And then you literally document it.

So what does the document look like? Well, there are templates out there today. The components vary, but these are the common ones. And then these are what I consider essential. So there’s the executive summary. This is just a summary of your company, what your management team may look like, a summary of your product and service and your market.

The business description gives a little bit more history about your company and the mission statement and really what your company is about and how this product or service fits in.

Then, you outline the details of the product or service that you’re looking to either expand or roll out or implement. You may even include in their patents may be that you have pending or other trademarks.

Then, you want to identify and lay out your marketing strategy. Like, how are you gonna take this to your customers? Are you going to have a brick-and-mortar store? Are you gonna do this online? And, what are your plans to take it to market?

You also want to include detailed information about your competitor analysis. How are they doing things? And, how are you planning on, I guess, beating your competition?

You also want to look at and identify your SWOT. And the SWOT is your strength. What are the strengths that you have in going to market? And where are the weaknesses? Maybe some of your gaps. And further, where are your opportunities and maybe threats that you need to plan for? Then the overview of the operation includes operational information like your production, even human resources, information about the day-to-day operations of your company.

And then, your financial plan includes your profit statement, your profit and loss, any of your financials, any collateral that you may have, and any kind of investments that you may be seeking.

So these are the components of your business case. This is why it’s so important. And if you need a tool that can help you manage and track this process, then sign up for our software now at ProjectManager .

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Project Risk Analysis

In Project Management , Project risk analysis is a component of effective project management, assessing, and mitigating potential threats that may impact the successful completion of a project. In order to ascertain the possibility and possible impact of risks, as well as to develop management or elimination methods, it is necessary to carefully evaluate many aspects in an iterative process.

Table of Content

What is Project Risk Analysis?

How to analyze project risks, project risk analysis tools & techniques, types of project risk analysis, case studies of project risk analysis, challenges of project risk analysis, benefits of project risk analysis, best practices for effective risk analysis in projects, conclusion: project risk analysis, faqs:project risk analysis.

Project risk analysis entails creating risk response strategies specific to every danger that is detected. These plans specify the precise steps that must be done to transfer, minimize, accept, or avoid the risk. Organizations can avoid the negative effects of unplanned occurrences and sustain project momentum by proactively planning for probable contingencies.

The methodical process of locating, evaluating, and controlling the hazards that could compromise a project’s successful completion is known as project risk analysis. It entails assessing risks and possible dangers to project goals, including budget, time, scope, and quality, and creating plans to successfully manage or address these hazards. Project risk analysis’s main objective is to proactively detect and handle possible problems before they become serious ones to increase the possibility that the project will succeed.

When evaluating project risks, you should take three factors into account: risk exposure, risk impact, and risk probability. Risk analysis, both qualitative and quantitative, can be used to estimate these three factors.

1. Risk Probability

• Qualitative Analysis: This method determines the possibility of a risk materializing by utilizing experience and subjective judgment. One can use methods like probability matrices, risk rating scales, and expert opinion.
• Quantitative Analysis: To evaluate the probability of risks, quantitative methods use numerical data and statistical models, in contrast to qualitative analysis. This could use methods like decision trees, historical data analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations.

2. Risk Impact

• Financial Impact: Consider the possible financial repercussions of a risk, including direct and indirect expenses as well as possible revenue loss.
• Impact on Schedule: Evaluate the potential effects of a risk on the project schedule, such as missed deadlines for completing tasks or reaching milestones.
• Impact on Resources : Take into account the effects on supplies, machinery, labor, and other project resources.
• Impact on Quality: Assess the potential effects of a risk on project results or deliverable quality requirements.

3. Risk Exposure

• Assessing Acceptability: Use the risk exposure calculation to ascertain whether the company is prepared to take on the possible losses that come with a risk. This computation aids in risk prioritization according to likelihood and total impact.
• Risk Mitigation : Strategies for reducing risk likelihood or impact should be created in order to lessen the predicted risk exposure if it is deemed unacceptable.
• Risk Transfer or Avoidance: If an organization’s risk exposure is judged to be too large or to be outside of its risk tolerance threshold, it may decide to transfer or completely avoid hazards.

Managers can make better decisions by using a variety of risk analysis techniques and resources. Project management documents and charts are examples of instruments used in risk analysis that are used in some of these. Now let’s explore these risk analysis techniques and see how they might benefit you.

1. Team Brainstorming Sessions

Participating in brainstorming sessions with team members guarantees that different viewpoints are taken into account when calculating the probability and effect of risks. A more accurate risk assessment can be achieved by utilizing the team’s collective expertise and experience to identify potential threats in a more thorough manner. Involvement in the team also promotes ownership and dedication to the risk management procedure, which raises the possibility that risk mitigation techniques will be effective.

2. Delphi Technique

The Delphi method uses a panel of experts’ knowledge to predict risks and their possible effects. Through expert discussion and debate, the method helps identify biases and blind spots, resulting in better informed risk assessments. This method’s consensus-building offers a strong basis for making decisions, especially in risk scenarios that are unclear or complex.

3. SWOT Analysis

A project’s internal strengths and weaknesses as well as exterior possibilities and dangers can be seen holistically with the use of a SWOT analysis. Project managers can use SWOT analysis as a method for risk analysis to find any weaknesses and outside variables that could endanger the success of their project. Through the consideration of both external and internal aspects, SWOT analysis aids in the proactive development of plans to reduce risks and take advantage of opportunities.

4. Risk Analysis Matrix

The risk analysis matrix offers an organized framework for assessing a danger’s likelihood and seriousness. Project managers can efficiently prioritize risks and allocate resources based on their level of importance. The matrix is a useful tool for directing risk management efforts and making sure that major hazards are addressed promptly, even though it only provides a qualitative assessment of risks.

5. Risk Register

For recording and monitoring project risks over the course of the project lifetime, the risk register acts as a central repository. The risk register offers a thorough perspective of the project’s risk environment by gathering crucial information about risks, including their nature, possible impact, and mitigation techniques. The risk register assists with proactive risk management by identifying and addressing possible issues before they become more serious. It does this by utilizing inputs from multiple sources, such as the project team and historical data.

1. Qualitative Risk Analysis

Qualitative risk analysis involves experts from the project team estimating the impact and likelihood of different risks based on their experience and past project data. To rate risks according to their impact (severity of consequences) and probability (chance of occurrence), they employ a scale. When a danger has a likelihood of 0.5, for instance, there is a 50% chance that it will materialize. On a five-point rating system, one represents the least severe impact and five the most severe. Following risk identification and analysis, a team member is designated as the risk owner, who is in charge of organizing and carrying out a response. By concentrating on high-impact risks and designating owners to handle them successfully, qualitative analysis helps projects become less uncertain.

2. Quantitative Risk Analysis

Quantitative risk analysis is a more statistical approach that examines how identified risks might affect the overall project. It entails calculating the likelihood that project goals will still be met in spite of these risks by counting the alternative outcomes. This analysis enhances risk control initiatives and gives project managers more confidence when making decisions. It assists, for example, in establishing reasonable goals for project scope, budgets, and schedules. The Monte Carlo simulation, which employs computational techniques to predict the possibility of various risks occurring, is one often used tool in quantitative analysis. During the planning and execution of a project, project managers can use this data to make well-informed decisions.

Case Study 1: Building a High-Rise Residential Structure

1. Recognizing Dangers

• Identified hazards include unfavorable weather, problems with the supply chain, a labor shortage, and problems with regulatory compliance.
• Organized risk brainstorming sessions with project managers, engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

2. Evaluating Hazards

• Evaluated each detected risk’s likelihood and its consequences using a qualitative method.
• Based on their seriousness and probability of happening, risks were ranked, with the greatest influence on project finances and schedules coming first.

3. Planning for Mitigation

• Developed mitigating measures, including recruiting backup workers, setting up alternate suppliers for essential commodities, and adjusting schedules to account for weather-related delays.
• Safety training initiatives and compliance audits were put in place to reduce regulatory risks and guarantee worker safety.

4. Emergency Preparedness

• Developed backup measures for high-impact risks, such as scheduling buffers and budget reserves for unforeseen expenses.
• Established criteria and triggers for triggering backup plans, and evaluated their efficacy on a regular basis.

5. Observation and Management

• Used important risk indicators, such as weather forecasts, supplier performance data, and regulatory compliance reports, to monitor project risks during the building phase.
• A risk management plan was put into place to monitor risk reduction initiatives, keep risk registers up to date, and inform project stakeholders of developments pertaining to risks.

Case Study 2: Financial Institution Software Development

• Hazards that have been identified include changes in scope, technical complexity, resource limitations, and security flaws.
• Conducted requirements analysis meetings and stakeholder interviews to find any hazards related to software development and integration.
• Evaluated the possibility and significance of each risk that was discovered using a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Risks were ranked according to how they might affect data security, project deliverables, and regulatory compliance.
• Created techniques for mitigation, including cross-training team members to lessen resource restrictions, introducing change control procedures to manage scope changes, and addressing technical complexity through modular development.
• Carried out frequent penetration tests and security assessments to find and fix any possible weaknesses in the software program.
• Plans for backup development resources in case of personnel turnover and emergency response procedures in case of security breaches have been developed as contingency measures for critical risks.
• Created channels of communication and escalation protocols to initiate backup plans when necessary.
• Used data including code review reports, stakeholder comments, and security audit results to track project risks.
• Conducted frequent risk assessments and status reports to monitor risk reduction initiatives, reevaluate risk priorities, and modify mitigation plans as needed.
• Uncertainty: Projects can entail a large number of unknowns, which makes it difficult to precisely identify and forecast possible hazards.
• Subjectivity in Risk Assessment: Risk assessment calls for subjective assessments that differ depending on the project’s stakeholders. Subjectivity in risk assessment and prioritization might result in prejudices and conflicts.
• Lack of Historical Data: Occasionally, particularly for novel or inventive initiatives, there could not be enough historical data or benchmarks available to guide risk analysis.
• Interrelated Risks: Risks in a project are frequently interrelated, which means that addressing one risk could unintentionally cause or worsen others. Sustaining these interdependencies calls for meticulous planning and collaboration.
• Ignoring Certain Risks: Project teams have a tendency to ignore certain hazards, particularly those that are less evident or concealed from view. This may lead to insufficient methods for mitigating risks or unforeseen problems when the project is being carried out.
• Dynamic Project Environments: Project environments are dynamic, meaning that risks alter over time as a result of adjustments made to rules, market conditions, technology, or stakeholder expectations. Staying on top of these changes means constantly observing and adjusting.
• Proactive Risk Management: Early risk identification allows project teams to take proactive steps to reduce or eliminate risks. This is known as proactive risk management. By being proactive, risks have less of an impact on the goals of the project.
• Informed Decision Making through Risk Analysis: Throughout the course of a project, risk analysis offers insightful information that facilitates well-informed decision making. Stakeholders in the project can evaluate the possible outcomes of various options and allocate resources appropriately.
• Maximizing Resource Usage and Efficiency: Time, money, and manpower may all be used more wisely when project risks are recognized. Project teams can increase project efficiency and maximize resource usage by concentrating resources on high-priority hazards.
• Proactive Risk Management: Enhanced Stakeholder trust: Showing that you have a solid grasp of project risks and are employing proactive risk management techniques helps to build stakeholder trust in the project’s capacity to meet its goals. This in turn cultivates confidence and backing from clients, sponsors, and other stakeholders involved in the project.
• Implementing Cost Control Strategies: Project risk analysis makes it possible to implement better cost control strategies by seeing possible cost overruns early in the project lifecycle.
• Schedule Risk Management: To reduce financial risk, this entails creating a contingency budget, negotiating contracts with suppliers, and putting cost-cutting measures in place.

1. Planning for Risk Management

Create a plan for risk management. Uncertainty surrounds every project. Establishing a well-defined risk management plan at the outset establishes the framework for managing hazards. Risk appetite, roles and responsibilities, data sources and technologies, and the frequency and timing of risk management actions should all be outlined in the strategy.

2. Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches

Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are used in qualitative and quantitative risk analysis. Quantitative risk analysis, such as Monte Carlo simulations, adds depth to the risk assessment by providing numerical estimates of possible outcomes, while qualitative risk analysis helps prioritize risks based on probability and impact.

3. Frequent Re-evaluation of Risk

Make iterative assessments of the risks. Projects change as they go, bringing with them new and evolving hazards. Plan frequent risk assessment meetings to identify and handle these situations, so the team isn’t taken by surprise.

Related Articles:

• Risk Analysis in Project Management
• Software Risk Analysis

An essential step in locating, evaluating, and reducing any risks to a project’s success is project risk analysis. Through a careful evaluation of uncertainties and the application of proactive tactics, institutions can improve their ability to make decisions, reduce disturbances, and increase the probability that project goals will be met on schedule and within budget.

1. What is project risk analysis?

Ans: The methodical process of locating, evaluating, ranking, and reducing possible risks or uncertainties that might have an impact on a project’s success is known as project risk analysis.

2. Why is the analysis of project risk important?

Ans: Project risk analysis is crucial because it assists teams and project managers in foreseeing possible issues, creating solutions for them, and ultimately raising the possibility of project success by lowering uncertainty and skillfully managing risks.

3. What steps are involved in qualitative risk analysis?

Ans: Project team members’ feedback is gathered, risks are evaluated for likelihood and impact, they are categorized, risk owners are assigned, and action plans are created as part of qualitative risk analysis.

4. Which risk analysis are the most common ones?

Ans: Both qualitative and quantitative risk analyses are the two main kinds. Comparatively to qualitative analysis, which depends on expert opinion and subjective judgment, quantitative analysis evaluates risk impacts and probability using statistical techniques and numerical data.

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