Project Management—A Personal View

Abstract

This paper sets out a series of precepts which the author has found to be useful when managing substantial capital projects in the heavy chemical plant field. The importance of a thorough understanding of the design background to the plant on the part of the project manager is considered to be very necessary for the effective management of contracts for new works. The importance of detailed knowledge, leadership and team motivation in minimizing risks arising from both human fallibility and events beyond the manager's control is also stressed. Finally the necessity for foresight and the means used by the author for forward prediction are set out.