Project Management

Megaprojects: Planning and Delivery

Megaprojects worth hundreds of millions or billions face unique challenges: long durations, political attention, complex contracting and huge interfaces. This course examines why megaprojects often overrun and how leading owners plan and deliver them: front-end planning, reference class forecasting, contracting strategy, integrated governance, interface management and stakeholder control.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

The biggest projects have the highest stakes and the poorest track record. You will learn evidence-based practices that improve megaproject outcomes.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

International megaproject case studies, front-end planning workshops, governance simulations and expert discussion.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the characteristics and risks of megaprojects
Apply front-end planning and reference class forecasting
Choose suitable contracting and delivery strategies
Design integrated governance and decision structures
Manage interfaces across packages and contractors
Control scope, cost and schedule at scale

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Senior project and programme directors
Owner’s representatives
Infrastructure and energy executives
Government project sponsors
Major project consultants

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Front-end planning
Contracting strategy
Governance design
Interface management
Large-scale project control

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1The Megaproject Challenge

09:00–10:08Characteristics of megaprojects
10:08–11:00Why they overrun
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Why they overrun (continued)
11:45–12:53Optimism and strategic misrepresentation
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 2Front-End Planning

09:00–10:08Front-end loading
10:08–11:00Reference class forecasting
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Reference class forecasting (continued)
11:45–12:53Business case realism
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Delivery and Contracting Strategy

09:00–10:08Delivery models
10:08–11:00Contract packaging
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Contract packaging (continued)
11:45–12:53Alliances and partnering
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Governance and Interfaces

09:00–10:08Owner organisation
10:08–11:00Integrated governance
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Integrated governance (continued)
11:45–12:53Interface management
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 5Control at Scale

09:00–10:08Integrated project controls
10:08–11:00Risk management
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Risk management (continued)
11:45–12:53Stakeholder and political management
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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