It is often said that building-projects are fragmented, as if this is a necessary condition, and as if management of projects must therefore be dominated by volatility at a detailed level.

There is no question that extensive coordination of specialists is usual for development, design and construction, and that pulling everything together in a timely manner presents major management challenges.

This is especially true on fast-tracked projects, for which design overlaps construction.

However, many complex projects are managed smoothly, consistent with sound objectives, and have an orderly flow of:

• - project initiation and definition, including regulatory requirements;
• - instructions, especially project plans, drawings and specifications and their representation in contracts;
• - design and construction work, including identification and solution of problems.
• - monitoring, controlling & tracking construction progress and mitigating risks.
• - Closing Contracts and registering the lesson learned