Best practice for multi-project management in the construction industry

Abstract

The current demand for higher quality of living and greater technological development has meant that large construction projects are increasing in number and complexity year by year. Many complexities have been highlighted in managing multi-projects. Over the past 10 years, multi-project management (MPM), or programme management, has been recognised by many authors as an appropriate approach to managing multiple projects. However, results from the first stage of the research done by the author reveals that this approach is not popular among professionals in the UK construction industry. The lack of comprehensive guidelines for managing multi-projects in the construction industry has contributed to this situation. This paper aims to illustrate the key elements and associated best practice in managing multi-projects (M-Ps) in construction. It begins with the brief description of the research, a definition of multi-project management, a description of some of the problems encountered in managing M-Ps, and opinions of various authors on how to mitigate some of these problems. The second part of the paper describes the MPM approach, the key elements and associated best practice for both preliminary and implementation stages. The adoption of this best practice would help to ensure successful delivery of M-Ps.