Modern construction projects not only become more larger and complicated, but demand more higher level of integrated and coordinated efforts on resolving conflicts between various issues such as achieving financial feasibility, sustainable and harmonized development, system performance goals, project completion time, and etc. However many recent government mega projects suffered substantially in resolving these conflicting issues. Some projects had to downsize their scope considerably or experience unexpected long delay. In addition to usual project risks involved in cost, time, and quality, these mega projects were exposed to political, social, and economic risks. Consequently many companies involved suffered and some went bankrupt, not to mentioning about those clients.
Reports on foreign mega projects also address similar difficulties. Mega projects must seek new and advanced ways of conducting engineering, production, and management for their success. The concepts and technologies of PM(Program Management), BIM(Building Information Modeling) and IPD(Integrated Project Delivery) are considered among professionals recently as an essential vehicle that could substantially improve the success of mega projects world wide.
The Boston Big Dig Project which created an underground highway under the city of Boston, Masachussetts U.S.A., is a exemplary case of a mega project initiated by the local government involving hundreds of companies of various disciplines. The concept of project management was extensively used during the planning and construction phases of this project. Heavy communication and coordination needs between the primary contractors and hundreds of subcontractors also required aggressive use of computer technologies. Recent rise of BIM use among project participants world wide is a direct follower of this ICT trend (Information and Communication Technology). Amazing progress of three dimensional computer design and engineering tools and their economically viable availability made the recent explosion of BIM use possible.
Long duration and large capital required for the delivery of a mega project naturally put great emphasis on the life cycle perspective and assessment of the project. Traditional project delivery methods such as design-bid-build, design and build, or turnkey showed limitations in meeting the requirements and risks produced for the life cycle of the mega projects. IPD is introduced as a natural reaction in response to these limitations. Clients as welll as the contractors, engineers, and architects are willing to share their risks and profits in order for the mutual success of the project. The availability and use of BIM is an essential foundation for the successful execution of IPD.
In conclusion, more mega projects will be performed due to the increasing and integrated nature of our society. The current development trend of PM and ICT related technologies will continue with a wider and diverse spectrum accommodating ever changing societal and human needs.