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Classification of Construction Projects

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 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Civil, Environmental, Structural, Construction and Architectural Engineering Vol:9, No:6, 2015

Classification of Construction Projects

M. Safa, A. Sabet, S. MacGillivray, M. Davidson, K. Kaczmarczyk, C. T. Haas, G. E. Gibson, D. Rayside

 on project success [4]. Project scope definition is the process

Abstract—In order to address construction project requirements by which a project's components are defined and prepared for
and specifications, scholars and practitioners need to establish implementation during FEP. This is a critical stage of the
taxonomy according to a scheme that best fits their need. While project where early designs and decisions are made, the
existing characterization methods are continuously being improved,
specific project execution approach is developed, and the
new ones are devised to cover project properties which have not been
previously addressed. One such method, the Project Definition Rating associated risks of the project are analyzed. Over a series of
Index (PDRI), has received limited consideration strictly as a workshops, construction industry experts refined the weights
classification scheme. Developed by the Construction Industry of the PDRI's elements to enhance its utility as a front-end risk
Institute (CII) in 1996, the PDRI has been refined over the last two analysis tool [5]. Based on the perspective of project
decades as a method for evaluating a project's scope definition participants, comprehensive analysis of the definition level of
completeness during front-end planning (FEP). The main
elements can facilitate risk-assessment by highlighting a
contribution of this study is a review of practical project classification
International Science Index Vol:9, No:6, 2015 waset.org/Publication/10001697

methods, and a discussion of how PDRI can be used to classify project's vulnerabilities. Project readiness can also be
projects based on their readiness in the FEP phase. The proposed estimated as a function of PDRI scores by benchmarking them
model has been applied to 59 construction projects in Ontario, and against the performance of past projects of a similar class.
the results are discussed. This requires classification, which is not trivial.
In addition to risk analysis, appropriate classification of
Keywords—Project classification, project definition rating index construction projects can provide a number of benefits [6], [7].
(PDRI), project goals alignment, risk. According to CII, grouping of similar projects can enhance
project effectiveness through the consistent management of
I. INTRODUCTION project portfolios [8]. Once projects have been suitably

P ROJECT classification schemes allow for scholars and

experts to analyze construction projects by grouping them
according to similar characteristics. Due to the unique aspects
grouped, firms can create or employ best practices to monitor
and control them [8], [9].
Standardization of classification allows for consistency in
of construction project [1]-[3], it is especially challenging to FEP [10], cost estimation, schedule development, budget and
classify the wide range of possible projects. Nonetheless, human resources allocation, and technical documentation
several authors within the construction management field have preparation [8]. For a portfolio of projects, this approach
developed methodologies to achieve this. Each classification assists both owner and contractor firms in establishing
scheme has a specific domain of application depending on the prioritization criteria for project selection and managing
method employed. The use of these schemes by EPCs processes related to their execution [11]. For each category of
(Engineering Procurement and Construction), governments, projects, weightings of various factors underlying project
general contractors, and researchers is partially contingent on outcomes can also be determined in order to assist with multi-
the project's phase, and the nature of the information being attribute decision making [12]. Project categorization can
sought, as will be discussed below. make it easier for experts to identify trends and pervasive
The PDRI is a comprehensive checklist of scope definition issues [8], as well managerial variables critical to the
elements which are weighted relative to their potential impact performance and success of each project class [13], [14]. One
highly cited issue in the fields of behavioral economics and
M. Safa, Postdoctoral Fellow, is with the Department of Civil and
projects management is optimism-bias when forecasting
Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue outcomes of major projects [15], [16]. In this instance,
West Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada (corresponding author phone: forecasts are adjusted by positioning the project in a
519-502-1052; e-mail: msafa@ uwaterloo.ca). distribution of historical outcomes of previous projects in its
A. Sabet and C. Haas, Professor, are with the Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue reference class.
West Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada (e-mail: [email protected], One characteristic discussed extensively in the management
chaas@ uwaterloo.ca). literature is complexity [17]-[21], indicating a recognition that
S. Macgillivray is with the 8 Erb Street W, Suite 200, Waterloo, ON N2L
1S7 (e-mail: [email protected]). its effects impact the management of projects significantly.
M. Davidson and K. Kaczmarczyk are with the Project Services Group, Project complexity can influence such features as the selection
Hydro/Thermal operations, Ontario Power Generation (e-mail: of expertise and experience requirements of personnel, clear
[email protected], [email protected]).
G. E. Gibson, Jr., Professor and Sunstate Chair of Construction definition of objectives, technology integration, budget
Management and Engineering at Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona allocation, the project organization's structure [17], as well as
(e-mail: [email protected]). risk management processes such as interface management
D. Rayside, Assistant Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering at
the University of Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada (e-mail:
[12], [22]. Depending on the scale of project complexity, the
[email protected]). construction management process must incorporate a

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International Journal of Civil, Environmental, Structural, Construction and Architectural Engineering Vol:9, No:6, 2015

corresponding set of tools to provide a suitable level of islands of Honshu and Shikokuh in Japan, and the Itaipli Dam
planning and control. Understandably, conventional systems on the Broil-Paraguay border [9]. A step down from singular
applied to complex projects can be inappropriate for regular projects is complex projects. The majority of industrial
projects, and vice-versa [14], [23]-[24]. For example, the projects, public works, and town development schemes can be
PDRI can be invaluable for the development of nuclear power classified as complex. They share many of the same features
plants, but cannot be typically justified for use in residential as singular projects but lack uniqueness and involve more
projects due to their required cost and technical expertise. In familiar problems. Examples range from airports, to railways,
this case, the PDRI is used to simplify complexity and provide to oil and gas pipelines. The lowest class comprises normal
an understandable numeric score which is actionable. construction projects such as buildings, roads, and earthworks.
The rest of the paper is arranged into three sections. Section Their execution period is normally short, with planning and
II explores the body of work related to construction project technical specifications completed before construction. One
classification, providing a summary of common methods. general contractor can normally handle this kind of work,
Section III presents a method for classifying projects by their usually involving only one type of engineering.
PDRI score during the front end planning (FEP) phase. Once these categories have been established, features of the
Section IV provides a case-study of 59 complex projects projects are subjectively evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10
categorized by the PDRI classification approach. A conclusion according to importance. Santana uses two separate checklists
section summarizes findings. of varying detail to assist in classifying projects. The score
sheet in Fig. 1 allows for rapid project characterization,
International Science Index Vol:9, No:6, 2015 waset.org/Publication/10001697

II. CLASSIFICATION SCHEMES REVIEW supplemented by a comprehensive inventory of features when

A review was conducted to identify various methodologies a more conclusive rating is required [9].
for project classification relevant to construction management.
The schemes include:
A. Rule-of-Thumb Classification
B. Classification by Complexity According to:
C. Function-Based Classification
D. Project Classification for Supply Chain Management
E. Project Parameters-Based Classification for Machine
Scheduling
F. A Posteriori Project Classification Using Linear
Discriminate Analysis
G. Project Classification for Strategic Portfolio Management
H. Reference Class Forecasting
Each methodology has its optimum domain of applicability,
ranging from a general guide for rapid project classification, to
detailed project characterization schemes for scheduling
purposes. Some of these methods will be directly related to
our proposed PDRI classification model, while others will
Fig. 1 Rapid Project Classification using rule-of-thumb criteria [9]
only share a conceptual overlap.
A. Rule-of-Thumb Classification Projects with an average feature rating of 0 to 3 are
The definition of a 'project' is interpreted differently considered normal, 4 to 6 complex, and 7 to 10 singular.
between authors [25]-[31]. Santana defines construction B. Classification by Complexity According to:
projects in practical terms, as 'the sum of planned activities, Complexity can be defined along various dimensions
material or otherwise, of an organization to convert an idea or relevant to projects. Depending on the definition of
a design for engineering or construction work to fulfill human complexity used, different elements become important to how
or economic needs within limits of quality, cost and duration a project is classified during analysis. Two methods based on
[9]. Santana breaks down construction projects into three separate and commonly cited dimensions are discussed below.
categories: singular, complex, and normal. This hierarchy Organizational/technological differentiation and
orders a project according to decreasing degrees of social, connectivity: Reference [17] operationalizes the definition of
economic, and environmental impact, and decreasing numbers complexity in terms of two systems theory concepts:
of specialists, consultants, and contractors employed. differentiation, and connectivity. Differentiation describes the
Singular projects are unique, high impact endeavors number of varied elements (i.e. components, specialists,
undertaken by governmental or multinational institutions. tasks), while connectivity expresses the interdependence of
These projects demand enormous capital, the most advanced elements. This definition takes the view of projects as
technologies, and intricate systems of management and complex systems consisting of many dimensions such as
execution. Examples of such projects are the English Channel organizational, technical, environmental, informational, and
Tunnels linking England and France, the bridges joining the

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International Journal of Civil, Environmental, Structural, Construction and Architectural Engineering Vol:9, No:6, 2015

decision making. This methodology considers two project project feature which drives the applicability of different
dimensions most commonly referenced in project management management systems and processes such as interface and
literature: organizational and technological complexity. These supply nexus management.
dimensions are then appropriately managed through
integration once properly classified. For example, [22] extends Program/Project
[17] by classifying projects according to complexity, relative Management Scope
size, and organizational risk maturity level, among other Increasing:
factors. These can be qualitatively estimated through a Increasing: Multi‐System Planning
weighted questionnaire. The authors then describe how a 3.  Array Size Systems Engineering
Program or Scope Control Systems Integration
generic project risk management procedure can be adapted to Set of Projects Planning  a Configuration Management
project circumstances once its characteristics have been Subcontrcting Risk Analysis & Management
established. Documentation
2.  System Bureaucracy
The concept of organizational complexity is subdivided into Project with
Increasing:
its substituent components according to Baccarani's proposed Techical Skills
Complex Set of  Flexibility
definition. The organizational structure underpinning a Interactive Elements Development & Testing
construction project can be examined in terms of vertical and 1.  Assembly Late Design Freeze
horizontal differentiation, as well as the interactions and Technical Communication
Project
Risk & Opportunity
interdependencies between organizational elements [32].
International Science Index Vol:9, No:6, 2015 waset.org/Publication/10001697

Consisting of Low High

Technological Uncertainty
Vertical differentiation refers to the depth of an organization's a Single Unit
hierarchical structure. Horizontal differentiation can be A B C D
defined in terms of organizational units (i.e. departments, Program or Mostly Advanced Highly Advanced
teams) and task structure, which can be achieved through the Set of Projects Established or Exploratory
division of labour and/or through personal specializations. The (Classic Tech) (Medium tech) (Hi‐Tech) (Super Hi‐Tech)

level of organizational complexity can be classified in terms of Fig. 2 Project Classification Systems Based on Complexity [38]
three interdependencies: pooled, sequential, and reciprocal
C. Function-Based Classification
[28], with reciprocal interdependence introducing the most
complexity and dominating the construction process [29], The functional outcome of a project once construction is
[30]. completed is also an important feature of a project. Reference
Despite a lack of consensus on its definition, the broad [39] groups construction projects according to the type of
meaning of the term 'technology' as the 'transformation construction work being completed, as follows:
processes which convert inputs into outputs' is cited [34]. GroupA. Roads, bridges, tunnels, railroads, rapid transit
Technological complexity by differentiation then refers to the GroupB. Petrochemical refineries, pipelines, power plants, etc.
variety in some aspect of a task completed during a project GroupC. Steel plants, automobile plants, machinery shops, etc.
such as the number and diversity of inputs/outputs [35], GroupD. Pharmaceutical plants, electronic plants, hospitals
number of separate actions to produce the end product of a GroupE. Food plants, textile plants, water plants, paper mills
project [36], and number of specialties involved [37]. There is GroupF. Additional types other than those listed above
some degree of overlap between technological and D. Project Classification for Supply Chain Management
organizational complexity in this regard. As with Reference [12] asserts that fully categorizing construction
organizational interdepencies, technological interdependencies projects is impossible due to the numerous attributes that
in a project can be characterized as pooled, sequential, and could be used to define classes, and the existence of unknown
reciprocal, between a network of tasks, teams, different factors. This results in a lack of a generally agreed-upon
technologies, and inputs [33]. The other dimension of framework for classifying construction projects because of
technology referenced by Baccirini is uncertainty, which is their uniqueness and disparity in terms of size, time,
covered by a related classification scheme in the following investment, complexity, and technological content. The
Section 2). challenge is optimizing the selection of characteristics for
Scope and technological uncertainty: Assessing defining the most ideal categories when applying a supply
construction project complexity from the perspective of scope chain model [40] to the project. Safa classifies construction
and technological uncertainty is also a classification scheme projects with respect to their size, complexity, and risk
used in practice [38]. As shown in Fig. 2, the three levels of tolerance. Projects are categorized into four possible classes
scope include assembly, system, and array. Assembly that have overlap but generally involve varying levels of
complexity represents a project that includes a collection of detail:
components and modules combined into a single unit. System 1. Class I (megaprojects): refers to projects that have
complexity identifies a project that consists of a complex budgets exceeding $1B and require planning and
collection of interactive elements and subsystems within a execution over a very long term (more than three years). It
single product, and array complexity signifies a program includes government and national institutions have an
rather than a single project. In 2012, CII launched a research enormous economic, social, and ecological impact.
team to study project complexity. It is considered to be a

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2. Class II (large and unique): the investment in this class of managerial variables critical to project success emerges from
project involves more than $100M as well as long-term this analysis.
planning and execution (more than two years). These
TABLE I
projects can share many of the class I features but are LIST OF MANAGERIAL VARIABLES AND MANAGERIAL FACTORS [13]
unique, with complicated management and Organization of Managerial Variables
implementation systems. Numerous contractors, Managerial Groups Managerial Factors
specialists, and consultants are employed, and the most Project initiation and pre- Definition of operational need
advanced technologies are used. contract activities Urgency of need
3. Class III (complex): requires middle-level planning and Alternative Solutions
execution within a shorter time frame (one to three years). Definition of technical and operational specs.
These projects usually have budgets between $10M and Pre-contract activities
$100M. A complex project is not unique, and the Customer follow-up team
problems involved are not overly complicated. Most Project preparation and Pre-project preparation
design quality,
industrial projects and many public works are categorized Technological infrastructure Management Policy
as complex [9]. and design methods Technological Infrastructure
4. Class IV (basic and normal): an investment of up to $10M Prototypes
would be considered for this class of project. The projects Number of design cycles
are carried out with one year of planning or one budget
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Design freeze timing

period, with the use of measurable targets. Projects such Design considerations
as housing, earthworks, buildings, and roads can be Planning and control Project milestones
considered class IV construction projects. processes Project control
Effectiveness of project control
E. Project Parameters-Based Classification for Machine Budget management
Scheduling Discussions and reports
Reference [41] proposes a notation and classification Organizational and Organization environment
scheme for project scheduling which is compatible with what managerial environment Manger style
is commonly accepted in machine scheduling. The Communication style
classification scheme describes the resource environment, Flexibility in management
activity characteristics, and objective function of the project. Delegation of authority
This approach allows for a project schedule to be modeled in Organizational learning
Team characteristics
terms of stochastic activity durations, which account for hard-
Manager qualifications
to-predict factors or events which can introduce uncertainty in
a project schedule (i.e. weather conditions, resource usage G. Project Classification for Strategic Portfolio
obstruction, supply chain delays, contractor disputes, etc). Management
Each stochastic model requires a tailored method to manage
Project classification within portfolio management depends
inherent computational complexity within the problem. Proper
on the overall portfolio formation strategy of the firm in
project classification based on relevant parameters allows for
question [8] interviewed a set of owners and contractors to
the appropriate machine planning method to be applied. The
extract the most common grouping approaches. Each type of
specific project parameters are detailed in the authors' research
firm is motivated by different considerations, although
paper, and are beyond the scope of this review.
overlaps exist. The authors report that all contractors
F. A Posteriori Project Classification Using Linear interviewed group their portfolio projects according to client
Discriminate Analysis first, then by geographic location. Conversely, owners
Reference [13] researches a more natural, empirical project typically group their projects by different business lines,
classification scheme by using linear discriminant analysis. taking size and geography as secondary considerations. This
This allows for project success factors to be identified for approach is probably motivated by profit and loss centres
different project classes, which in turn influence decision being arranged along business lines. The purpose of project
making by project managers. Three major classification grouping by industry/technology/product is that projects in
constructs emerged from this analysis: pure software vs. each class share similar expertise, and generally involve the
hardware projects, project scope (or complexity), and project same construction activities.
outcome (i.e. a new facility, building renovation, etc). From Project priority is an alternate project classification scheme
the construction management viewpoint, the first construct can used to manage portfolios [8]. A formal method can be
be ignored as all construction projects are primarily hardware employed with criteria covering project maintenance,
projects with varying degrees of software integration. The environmental and safety concern, and cost/strategic
paper's classification scheme assesses project characteristics in considerations. As reported by contractors, prioritization is
terms of managerial variables which are detailed across usually client and/or resource driven for contractors. This is
several tables (a sample is provided below).Consequently, due to the fact that client turn-around dates; construction
windows, operating priorities, budgets, and human resources

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are significant determinants of a project's schedule. Treasury regarding forecasts of transportation infrastructure
projects. Table II outlines the possible categories of projects
H. Reference Class Forecasting
used for step (1) of this implementation.
In reference class forecasting, project classification Probability distributions were established for each category
encourages management to consider an "outside view" of in Table III from available data of projects in its class,
planned actions when forecasting project outcomes. By fulfilling step (2) of the procedure. A curve is produced
framing the project in terms of previously completed projects comparing "Cost overruns vs. budget" against "Share of
in its reference class, an experience-based estimate of a projects with given maximum cost overrun", as seen in Fig. 3.
project's performance can be formed. Reference [15]
introduced this method as a means of counteracting the effects
of optimism-bias and strategic misrepresentation on project
decision making under risk. In addition to other findings, the
work demonstrates how errors in judgment are systematic and
predictable instead of random. Undue optimism in project
forecasts is likely a result of bias from organizational pressure
and overconfidence, rather than confusion alone.
Distributional information, or experience/data regarding the
completion of past, similar actions is often ignored in favor of
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a more singular approach focused on the unique characteristics

of the current task. Termed the "planning fallacy" [42], this
judgment error manifests itself in project planning when costs, Fig. 3 Required uplift for rail projects as function of the maximum
completion dates, and risks, are underestimated while the acceptable level of risk for cost overrun, constant prices [16]
benefits of planned actions are overestimated. To help curb
impartiality, the authors suggest a three-step process: In order to estimate the required budgetary uplift for the
1. Classify the project by identifying a relevant class of project, the acceptable risk tolerance for the project must be
reference projects that is extensive enough to be determined. On the basis of the probability distribution seen in
statistically significant, and narrow enough to warrant Fig. 3, if a rail project is willing to take on a 40% risk of cost
comparison with the project being analyzed. overrun, the required uplift would be 50%. If only a 5% risk of
2. Ascertain the probability distribution of the selected cost overrun is acceptable, then the required uplift is 80%.
reference class based on credible, empirical data from a However, if a reserve fund is set up, cost control measures
sufficient number of projects within the class. must be put in place to ensure accurate quantified risk
3. Position the specific project in the distribution and adjust assessment and efficient use of financial resources [16], [43].
predictions of the most likely outcome for the specific In this instance of project classification, a project is
project. categorized so that historical data of projects in its class can be
used to unbias forecasts of its outcome. In Section 3, a method
TABLE II is presented which classifies projects according to their PDRI
CATEGORIES AND TYPES OF PROJECTS USED AS BASIS FOR REFERENCE CLASS
score. This scheme allows for a comprehensive classification
FORECASTING [13]
Category Types of Projects
to be made, based on the sum of weighted scope definition
Motorway , trunk roads, local roads, elements which quantify project readiness during FEP. This
Roads
bicycle facilities, pedestrian facilities, park provides a structured approach for the project management
and ride, bus lane schemes, guided buses team to uncover project risk factors during the planning phases
on wheels
Metro, light rail, guided buses on tracks, of the project. In addition reference class forecasting, this
Rail
conventional rail, high speed rail, method is also used as a benchmarking tool to adjust
Fixed links Bridges, tunnels alignments of expectations for project performance. The
Building projects Stations, terminal buildings details of this process are discussed below.
IT projects IT system development
Standard civil engineering Included for references purposes only III. PROJECT CLASSIFICATION BY LEVEL OF DEFINITION
Non-standard civil engineering Included for references purposes only USING PDRI

Selecting an appropriate reference class of projects is not Critical to any controlled approach to managing elements of
always possible. It is more difficult when precedents cannot a construction project is detailed documentation relating to
easily be found for the project outcome being forecast, which FEP, internal and external risks, and ongoing management.
can occur if the project incorporates new and unfamiliar The process of using the PDRI for classifying capital projects
technologies [43]. When conditions in steps (1) and (2) are is information intensive, multidisciplinary, and time
met, however, the method can be employed to mitigate over- consuming. Therefore, the first step for project classification
optimism during the appraisal of major capital projects. by PDRI is gated evaluation. In this step, a general assessment
Reference [16] demonstrates this approach in practice in its is made of the applicability of the PDRI to the specific project,
recommendations to the UK Department of Transport and HM and whether it should be considered for the final score

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calculation process. Gated evaluation includes key criteria

such as cost, schedule, quality, safety, scope, reputation,
operations, environmental, regulatory, visibility, expertise, and
complexity. Quality in this context can be described as
meeting the projects’ legal, aesthetic, and functional
requirements [44]. If a project is determined to be simple, and
critical project data is unambiguous, FEP can be easily and
effectively performed without a PDRI evaluation. This step is
conducted by project managers and experienced project stake-
holders who subjectively decide whether the FEP process is
successful. If the management team decides to follow through
Fig. 4 Flowchart of PDRI project classification process
with a PDRI evaluation, the project is assessed at various
stages during FEP [45], however, the authors recommend the Once the specific version of the PDRI has been selected, a
PDRI be used in all three stages of the FEP process. facilitator team is matched to project needs based on the
When the project management team decides to apply the project industry, asset type, project size, and FEP stage. The
PDRI for project classification, the characteristics of each facilitator team uses a comprehensive checklist of
project is carefully considered in order to select the most approximately 70 scope definition elements. As mentioned,
appropriate PDRI version. This may be established based on
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these elements were weighted to underscore their potential

the project's primary designers, in addition to the main impact on project readiness. Since the PDRI score relates to
design/construction expenditures of the project. Depending on risk, vulnerable areas that need to be addressed can easily be
which category fits best, the project should be categorized as isolated [48]. Fig. 5 illustrates the FEP intervals at which the
Building, Industrial, or Infrastructure, as elaborated below PDRI is applied.
[46]:
 PDRI Building projects: normally designed by architects,
the space involved is typically developed for living,
working, and social interaction. The building and its
systems often comprise the majority of project costs. This
can include offices, schools, medical facilities, banks,
shopping centres, and warehouses.
 PDRI Industrial projects: usually designed by process
engineers (mechanical/industrial/ chemical), these
projects include costs with extensive piping and
mechanical equipment often comprising more than 50% Fig. 5 Gated Front-End Planning Process
of the project cost. Examples are: power plants, water
treatment plants, manufacturing plants, refineries, and As shown in Fig. 5, PDRI 1 is used after the feasibility
steel mills. phase of FEP as a high level assessment of the project. This
 PDRI Infrastructure projects: often designed by civil assessment is usually held at the kickoff meeting of projects
engineers, these projects primarily perform a function that when meeting with an architect/engineering firm early on.
is integral to the effective operation of a system. PDRI 2 is a high level assessment of the project following the
Infrastructural projects provide capacities such as Concept Development phase of the project. The PDRI 2
transportation, transmission, distribution, collection, and review evaluates the alignment of project objectives with
the interaction of goods, services, or people [47]. In terms stakeholder needs, identifies high priority project deliverables,
of scale, these projects generally span a broad helps anticipate late project surprises, and facilitates
geographical region; affect multiple jurisdictions and communication across the project team and stakeholders.
stakeholder groups. Examples include: pipelines, PDRI 2i is an intermediate (i) assessment of the project during
electrical transmission/distribution, fiber optic networks, the Detailed Scope phase of FEP, held at its midpoint. It
highways, railroads, and canals. further assures the alignment of project objectives with
It is also possible for the project to be classified as a hybrid stakeholder needs, confirms efficient deployment of resources,
of the three PDRI versions with a hierarchy of types. For verifies scope in relation to original project goals, and
example, the overall project may fall under Industrial, while identifies and plans remaining activities necessary to proceed
the related subprojects could be categorized as Building and to the next FEP phase. PDRI 3 is the final assessment of the
Infrastructure. In this case, the appropriate PDRI version project during FEP, where risk issues have been identified and
should be applied on an individual project basis, which is mitigation plans prepared. Usual scores for this evaluation are
beyond the scope of this work. For the general case, PDRI between 150 to 250, with a preferred score between 200 or
project classification is illustrated in Fig. 4. less. The acceptable PDRI score ranges for the various phases
of FEP are summarized in Table III. The ranges are contained
in Table III is employed in the last stage of the proposed

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classification scheme [39].

TABLE III
ACCEPTABLE PDRI SCORES FOR STAGES OF FEP
PDRI 2i: PDRI 3:
PDRI 1: PDRI 2:
Stage Detailed Detailed
Feasibility Concept
Scope Scope
Typical Min 550 450 300 150
Typical Max 800 600 450 250

Once the PDRI score is calculated, if it falls below the

acceptable range for the evaluated FEP phase shown in Table
III, it can be classified as being Satisfactory. If The PDRI
score falls within the acceptable range, it should be classified Fig. 6 Percentage distribution of project types
as Action required, if it is above this range, then it should be
classified as Major Revision Required. This classification The third step of the classification process uses the
scheme can be used in risk analysis where poorly defined normalized final PDRI scores to classify projects into three
scope elements can be identified. Generally, a lower PDRI separate categories: Satisfactory, Action required, and Major
score corresponds to a well-defined scope definition package, Revision Required. As illustrated in Fig. 7, only three projects
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resulting in better performance and a higher probability of were classified as Major Revision Required for the sample
project success. This classification also assists project data studied. The practical recommendation for these three
managers in evaluating whether work under their supervision projects is not to proceed any further until all FEP elements
is ready to continue to the next step. The following section are evaluated and corrective actions applied. 24 of the projects
demonstrates this classification method by presenting how it were classified under Action required, meaning that FEP
was applied to 59 construction projects. should continue while PDRI session comments and action
items are addressed in parallel.
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The PDRI scores were collected from PDRI users involved
in projects of various types and sizes in North America, in the
period between 2011 and 2014. The professional PDRI
facilitators were able to guide PDRI sessions to produce a
quality scope definition package in a limited amount of time.
In approximate terms, the resources and time used for a PDRI
scope definition package per project are: one facilitator and
one co-facilitator per PDRI session with a total of six, four
hours per session, and three PDRIs during front-end planning
(feasibility, concept, and detailed scope phase gates).
They applied the best industry practices along with their
experience for conducting PDRI sessions. Due to Fig. 7 Classification of projects by PDRI
confidentiality restrictions, neither the actual names of the
construction companies nor the projects can be mentioned in
this paper.
The first step of the PDRI classification scheme necessitates Array 11 2
a subjective assessment of whether the PDRI is applicable to
the specific project or not. In this study, only the projects
which were determined to require a PDRI evaluation are System 5 28 2
considered. As shown in Fig. 4, the second step in the
classification process is determining the PDRI version
depending on project characteristics. This step was applied to Assembly 2 5 4
the sample data, categorizing the projects as either for
Building, Industrial, or Infrastructure projects. The result is A B C D
summarized by Fig. 6, which shows the distribution of PDRI Classic T ech Mediun T ech Hi-T eck Super Hi-T ech
versions present in the sample data set.
Out of the 59 projects assessed using PDRI, 96.61% were Fig. 8 Project classification systems based on complexity
categorized as Industrial projects, while the remaining projects
The result shows 32 projects are categorized as satisfactory,
were divided evenly under Infrastructure and Building types.
not obligating any major corrective actions. However, 27 of
the projects are considered to be 'at risk' under this

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 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Civil, Environmental, Structural, Construction and Architectural Engineering Vol:9, No:6, 2015

classification scheme.
In many cases, it can be challenging to determine the
optimal scheme for classifying a set of construction projects.
Classification schemes are by no means mutually exclusive, or
one-size-fits-all. The same projects may be classified using
different schemes depending on the purpose for categorizing
the project. As discussed, the proposed method can be used to
classify construction projects in terms of associated risks
Fig. 9 Parallax view
identified during their FEP phase. For example, the 59 projects
discussed have also been grouped from the viewpoint of
project complexity, displayed in Fig. 8.
By aggregating PDRI results and considering other factors
at a portfolio level, new insights can be gained. This includes
risk monitoring based on the aggregate profile of the projects
at each of the FEP gates as they transition into the execution
phase. Table IV illustrates how a sample portfolio of 14
projects can be mapped based on their definition level, and
other factors such as cost, duration, and change orders. These
International Science Index Vol:9, No:6, 2015 waset.org/Publication/10001697

values have been normalized and do not represent actual

project data. Visualization software [49] can be used here to
provide the project management team with a summary of the
status of projects in terms of risks and other dimensions. This
enhances their ability to make quick assessments of portfolio’s Fig. 10 Bubble chart
condition, so that a judgment can be made on where to
prioritize the management team’s actions. The presented method exploits results of over two decades
The software can then transform the information from Table of research by CII members who are senior project managers
IV into a parallax view to help visualize the distribution of and scholars with years of research experience in the area. The
project data in terms of the dimensions discussed. industry risk metrics of the method is based on a large number
Fig. 10 gives a view from our visualizer which summarizes of industrial projects [46]. Therefore, this method could be
the status of projects according to four metrics: PDRI on the considered as one of the best approaches to classification of
X-axis, Cost on the Y-axis, Duration by circle color, and projects in terms of the risk.
Change Orders by circle size.
V. CONCLUSION
TABLE IV
This study provides a concise review of selected methods
NORMALIZED DATA FOR 14 PORTFOLIO PROJECTS
PDRI Score Total Cost Duration Change
for construction project classification. A new classification
Project (#) method using PDRI is introduced, measuring overall project
(normalized) (m$) (month) Order (#)
1 106 6.1 16.5 235 readiness during FEP. This proposed classification can help
2 134 5.2 5.5 340 project managers address risk and decide to commit resources
3 182 6.6 11.0 304 to maximize project performance and the probability of
4 209 2.4 5.5 124 project success. Facilitation sessions are time-consuming for
5 106 2.2 0.6 60 the key members of project management teams; however,
6 132 3.8 11.0 104 ignoring any deficiencies in FEP can potentially incur
7 138 7.9 0.4 334 significant costs and delays on the project. In terms of the
8 161 3.3 0.6 50
range of classification schemes discussed, project
9 86 1.8 5.5 145
classification by PDRI is comprehensive and useful as either a
10 157 7.0 16.5 502
stand-alone method, or in conjunction with other schemes.
11 100 2.0 5.5 144
12 165 32.8 5.0 618
13 834 3.7 11.0 284
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