2015–2019 International Project Management Association Bi-Annual Conferences in Croatia: Report on megaproject special interest group sessions

Abstract

This note reports on the proceedings of two Megaproject Special Interest Group (SIG) Workshops held in parallel with the Construction Organization, Technology and Management Conferences (OTMC) sponsored by the International Project Management Association (IPMA) in 2015 and 2017. As in the case of the 2015 SIG workshop, the 2017 equivalent event brought together interested parties working with megaprojects on an international level (mainly from Europe) with a view to examining megaproject needs of society and the complex challenges such projects typically present, particularly in delivery. In line with IPMA’s overall mission, these SIG workshops were conducted to bring together academics and professionals, plus individuals from industry, commerce and research and development organizations, that have an interest in the advancement of megaproject investment and delivery. The aims of both workshops (plus that planned for September 2019) were to provide a platform for the exchange of experiences and ‘knowhow’ regarding megaproject developments world-wide (especially in Europe). This was done with a view to enhancing the networking and communication of interested parties to promote the advancement of what may be considered ‘successful’ 21st century megaproject management. In addition to the commercial and economic contributions such megaprojects may contribute, the workshops were dedicated to also investigate how such projects can/should contribute positively to community development and what role the management of the delivery of such projects plays in addressing these challenges.