Chapter 15.11: Integration in large-scale projects

Question 1

What is a large-scale project (LSP) or mega project?

Answer 1

A complex project involving many contributors such as sponsors, contractors, subcontractors, and consultants working together to achieve a common goal.

Question 2

What types of relationships are common in LSPs?

Answer 2

Both horizontal and hierarchical relationships between contributors, managers, and their functional areas.

Question 3

What are examples of large-scale projects (LSPs)?

Answer 3

International Space Station

China’s Three Gorges Dam

Boston’s Big Dig

Canada’s La Grande hydroelectric project

Major corporate mergers

Question 4

What is the role of integration contractors or prime contractors?

Answer 4

To take responsibility for integrating efforts, managing subsystems, coordinating subcontractors, and ensuring overall system cohesion.

Question 5

What challenge arises when the prime contractor is also a competitor to subcontractors?

Answer 5

Subcontractors may withhold critical information or innovation due to competition, which can hinder integration and performance.

Question 6

What is a joint venture in LSPs?

Answer 6

A collaborative arrangement where firms share leadership and integration responsibilities, especially when no single firm can manage the full scope.

Question 7

When is a separate integration contractor used?

Answer 7

When no contractor has the capacity to integrate all work; a consulting firm may be hired to manage integration and technical coordination.

Question 8

What was the integration approach in the Corporate Merger Example?

Answer 8

A global consulting firm formed a dedicated team (AIM team) to plan, manage, and execute integration across divisions, benefiting from past M&A experience.