The organisational architecture of megaprojects

Abstract

This research explores the formation and evolution of the organisational architecture in megaprojects. We introduce the Project System Organisation (PSO) conceptual framework, which charts the architecture of megaproject organising, from intra- to inter-organisational design, and ultimately to system-level design. The PSO identifies the multiple and evolving actors across the multi-level and multi-layer megaproject system and defines four roles often used to label the client in megaprojects: owner, sponsor, client, and partner. Six megaprojects that currently represent a combined investment of more than £100 Bn have been analysed through 171 interviews in the United Kingdom: High Speed One, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, London 2012 Olympics, Crossrail, Thames Tideway Tunnel, and High Speed Two. The PSO provides a structure to design megaproject delivery models and prototype the configuration of inter-organisational relationships. We suggest designing megaprojects as dynamic production systems, decomposing and integrating the organisational boundaries of the system in the evolving architecture.