Project Scoping Process Model Development to Achieve On-Time and On-Budget Delivery of Highway Projects

Abstract

Transportation agencies have significantly improved many aspects of project delivery, yet they continue to be challenged by cost increases and time delays that occur after a project is programmed and funded. An increase or a change in the scope of a project to improve facility performance is a common source of such cost increases and schedule delays. Therefore, this study focused on improvement in the project scoping process (PSP) to achieve on-time and on-budget delivery of highway projects. The thrust of this research was to develop a framework that could help transportation agencies improve their scope development processes and practices. A key effort in this study was to assess current project scoping practices. After a literature review, the research team developed a survey protocol, distributed questionnaires, collected survey data, and performed data analysis. Forty responses were received that represented 23 state transportation agencies (STAs). On the basis of the survey responses, six STAs were selected for face-to-face interviews. The intent of the interviews was to confirm survey results and delve into topics not covered in the survey. As a result of these tasks, the research team identified considerable variation in scope development processes across the agencies with respect to the definition of a PSP, formality of the process, timing of the PSP, and project maturity when a project is programmed. On the basis of what was learned from the literature review, surveys, and follow-up interviews, the research team developed a PSP definition and framework. This PSP framework contains three major actions, namely, to select the project, to analyze the project, and to advance the preferred alternative.