Primary Consultant Options for Capital Project Planning: a Market Analysis and Selection Methodology

This thesis hypothesizes that market dynamics obfuscate identification of optimal project delivery mechanisms. In particular, selection of primary planning consultants can benefit from a rational methodology. Market dynamics reflect changing characteristics of both owner organizations and the projects that they require. The construction industry adapts in response to market change, altering products and services in an attempt to satisfy precipitated demand. Resultant construction industry dynamics, however, outpace the market's ability to perceive industry changes, due to the market's limited involvement with the construction industry, both temporally and spectrally. Current practice includes a variety of options for planning, program management and project strategizing. This thesis reviews the current market of advice available; various professions are examined to elicit biases inherent in each, contrasting perceptions of the function of initial planning. A qualitative analysis provides insight into desired capabilities of initial planning consultants as a function of project and client characteristics. Methodical analysis enhances awareness of project and owner parameters, their influence on planning consultant qualifications, the consulting options available to the owner, and ultimately project-specific compatibility. This thesis implies the need to counter inherent owner bias through explicit focused evaluation of relationships between project strategy and business strategy. As a result of this and other issues, initial planning consultants' roles are increasingly that of facilitator/manager. A corresponding shift in required capabilities is indicated away from technical expertise and conceptual capabilities toward those attributes associated with superior facilitation skills. Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Henry G. Irwig Title: Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering