Project management of large and complex-projects: The case of “lng megaprojects in the state of Qatar”

Megaprojects are complex, large-scale projects that transcend geographic boundaries, typically involving huge investments exceeding US$ 1 billion from multiple investors. They are usually strategically crucial to achieving regional and national interests, and their success or failure can impact a large group of people. There is a noticeable shortfall in the availability of literature that provides tried and tested guidelines on the critical requirements of a holistic megaproject management framework to facilitate the successful execution of megaprojects. There is a strong need for establishing a holistic megaproject management framework to facilitate the successful execution of megaprojects. This research identifies nine critical elements of the megaproject management framework. The framework analysis is conducted based on the responses from the survey of 125 professionals working on megaprojects in Qatar. The result shows an excellent internal consistency in the responses as Cronbach's Alpha values (α) for the response is positive and close to 1. The consistency in Cronbach’s Alpha values amongst each group indicates alignment among the three management levels towards the framework. The correlation of the critical elements between the top, middle, and lower management levels is calculated using the spearman correlation coefficient for statistical validation. The Spearman Coefficient is nearly equal to 1 (ρ1= 0.983), which validates the correlation among rank assignments for each element across the three management levels. This signifies that all the levels are unanimously consistent in the responses on the critical elements’ framework contributing to the success of megaprojects. This research work addresses the requirements for enhanced management capabilities, whereby the main gaps that need to be addressed are highlighted within each proposed element of LNG megaproject management framework. The analysis of the relative importance index of these elements shows how the top-level management ranked their impact on success of the megaproject. Five out of the nine elements have been identified as critical elements by top management, whereas “Conceptualization and Execution Strategies” element has been given the highest weightage. This is due to the perspective of the top management in defining accurate project objectives and appropriate execution strategies to achieve success. This follows by the “Cost and Schedule” element, which will be a derivative of the proper execution strategy. The lower ranking for the "Project Closeout" element is due to the demobilization of the PMT team during the closeout phase, which hinders the process of efficient project completion, as highlighted by middle-level management. An overview of megaproject management elements is presented in this research in two parts. The first part comprises a comprehensive literature review of relevant works clustered within nine proposed megaproject elements. The second part analyzes vital elements beyond the commonly depicted standards by literature and being practiced, including challenges, failures, and success factors, as well as lessons learned that to be maintained and incorporated into megaprojects management framework identifying the main gaps addressed within each proposed element for enhanced management capabilities. The research then presents the fundamental importance of a unique element of quality-driven megaprojects toward improved megaproject management framework. LNG megaprojects have unique characteristics that set them apart from other sectors, requiring a different megaproject management framework. The research discusses the LNG value chain affecting LNG megaprojects, analyzes the conservative challenges and gaps of its execution, and provides an efficient pathway for managing LNG megaprojects through a recommended megaproject management framework to ensure improved success in implementation. This research provides a valuable tool for research scholars for further study and analysis focusing on nine critical elements of mproved LNG megaproject management framework. Besides, the findings of the research shall help LNG megaproject practitioners to leverage improved megaproject management approaches to effectively handle the challenges of executing LNG megaprojects.