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Public project success as seen in a broad perspective

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  • Volden, Gro Holst

Abstract

Infrastructure projects in developed countries are rarely evaluated ex-post. Despite their number and scope, our knowledge about their various impacts is surprisingly limited. The paper argues that such projects must be assessed in a broad perspective that includes both operational, tactical and strategic aspects, and unintended as well as intended effects. A generic six-criteria evaluation framework is suggested, inspired by a framework frequently used to evaluate development assistance projects. It is tested on 20 Norwegian projects from various sectors (transport, defence, ICT, buildings). The results indicate that the majority of projects were successful, especially in operational terms, possibly because they underwent external quality assurance up-front. It is argued that applying this type of standardized framework provides a good basis for comparison and learning across sectors. It is suggested that evaluations should be conducted with the aim of promoting accountability, building knowledge about infrastructure projects, and continuously improve the tools, methods and governance arrangements used in the front-end of project development.

Suggested Citation

  • Volden, Gro Holst, 2018. "Public project success as seen in a broad perspective," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 109-117.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:69:y:2018:i:c:p:109-117
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2018.04.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Matt Andrews, 2022. "What is public policy success, especially in development?," CID Working Papers 415, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
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    3. Naqib Ullah Khan & Peng Zhongyi & Heesup Han & Antonio Ariza-Montes, 2023. "Linking public leadership and public project success: the mediating role of team building," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    4. Abeysekara, Baudhi & Perera, Piyaruwan & Chhipi Shrestha, Gyan Kumar & Gunaruwan, Lalithasiri & Kumarage, Amal & Sadiq, Rehan & Hewage, Kasun, 2021. "Improving the capital deployment efficiency: An infrastructure investment planning process in transportation project," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    5. Andreas Økland & Nils O. E. Olsson & Marte Venstad, 2021. "Sustainability in Railway Investments, a Study of Early-Phase Analyses and Perceptions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-21, January.
    6. Vittoria Biagi & Riccardo Patriarca & Giulio Di Gravio, 2021. "Business Intelligence for IT Governance of a Technology Company," Data, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-14, December.

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