Insights From Ivar Aasen Oil Field Project in Norway

The goal of this chapter is to present lessons learned and insights gained from managing the Ivar Aasen project. Lessons were collected through 28 interviews with key project members and contractors. Findings show that Ivar Aasen was executed under considerable uncertainty regarding the market situation, access to suppliers and was completed under very strict time schedule. The project was complex with over 140 suppliers and subcontractors that were globally distributed. The project was also the first major project for the operator company. Findings shows that the underlying context of the project was a source of several challenges encountered during execution. In spite of these challenges, the project was completed on budget and on schedule and now the field is in full operation. The paper presents a narrative description of the challenges encountered as well as the factors that contributed to project success. Based on insights gained, the paper presents 18 recommendations that should be adhered to succeed with projects that exhibits similar characteristics as Ivar Aasen project.