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on Project, Program and Portfolio Management |
| By: | Andreas M. Hein |
| Abstract: | A popular analogue used in the space domain is that of historical building projects, notably cathedrals that took decades and in some cases centuries to complete. Cathedrals are often taken as archetypes for long-term projects. In this article, I will explore the cathedral from the point of view of project management and systems architecting and draw implications for long-term projects in the space domain, notably developing a starship. I will show that the popular image of a cathedral as a continuous long-term project is in contradiction to the current state of research. More specifically, I will show that for the following propositions: The cathedrals were built based on an initial detailed master plan; Building was a continuous process that adhered to the master plan; Investments were continuously provided for the building process. Although initial plans might have existed, the construction process took often place in multiple campaigns, sometimes separated by decades. Such interruptions made knowledge-preservation very challenging. The reason for the long stretches of inactivity was mostly due to a lack of funding. Hence, the availability of funding coincided with construction activity. These findings paint a much more relevant picture of cathedral building for long-duration projects today: How can a project be completed despite a range of uncertainties regarding loss in skills, shortage in funding, and interruptions? It is concluded that long-term projects such as an interstellar exploration program can take inspiration from cathedrals by developing a modular architecture, allowing for extensibility and flexibility, thinking about value delivery at an early point, and establishing mechanisms and an organization for stable funding. |
| Date: | 2020–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2007.03654&r=all |
| By: | Krutilla,Kerry Mace; Good,David Henning; Toman,Michael A.; Arin,Tijen |
| Abstract: | The cumulative extraction of terrestrial mineral deposits has led the mining industry to begin exploring seabed resources. The prospect of commercialized seabed mining poses major regulatory challenges for the International Seabed Authority and countries with mineral resources in their coastal jurisdictions. The European Union and the World Bank have initiated projects to build capacity to manage seabed mining activities. A particular concern is the nature of the economic evaluation that should be required for the assessment of mining leases. This study reviews the academic literature on economic decision making under deep uncertainty and makes recommendations for incorporating precautionary measures within the benefit-cost analysis of seabed mining operations. |
| Keywords: | Mining&Extractive Industry (Non-Energy),Global Environment,Hydrology,International Trade and Trade Rules |
| Date: | 2020–06–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:9307&r=all |
| By: | Elin McCALLUM (Bantani Education); Lisa McMULLAN (The Women’s Organisation); Rebecca WEICHT (Bantani Education); Stefano Kluzer |
| Abstract: | Today’s world is characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Technological developments are redefining the nature of work, transferring tasks from humans to algorithms or robots. Demographic trends, globalisation, climate change, are also contributing to rapid transformations of labour markets. To thrive in world where technology is pervasive and fast evolving, problems are wide-raging and challenges global, both individuals and collective entities, such as companies or public bodies, need to develop new competences that secure their resilience in the face of a fast changing economy and society. Being able to adapt to change, working well in teams, using office software, assisting customers, using a computer, solving problems, communicating well, being creative and able to prioritise and managing projects are often listed among the skills for the future. These are embedded in the knowledge, skills and attitudes that the 2018 Recommendation on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning has identified as critical for citizens not only to cope with fast changing labour markets, but also to be active contributors to more resilient societies. In particular, they relate to digital and entrepreneurship competences. To support these two competences the European Commission has published two reference frameworks, the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens, also known as DigComp , and the Entrepreneurship Competence Framework, known as EntreComp. EntreComp at Work focuses on how EntreComp is being used for the provision of services supporting individuals to progress towards and participate in labour market activities or entrepreneurial ventures. Presenting 10 case studies, this publication provides insights into actual uses of EntreComp to address the entrepreneurial skills challenge that Labour Market Intermediary organisations (LMI) face in support individuals in a journey towards sustainable employment. |
| Keywords: | employability, key competences, labour market intermediaries, entrepreneurship |
| Date: | 2020–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc120486&r=all |
| By: | Mario BIGGERI; Alessandro CARRARO; Federico CIANI; Donato ROMANO |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:frz:wpaper:wp2020_08.rdf&r=all |