“How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration and Everything In Between” by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner is a book which I highly recommend. This is a very recent addition to my bookshelf, unusual for books that have only been out a short while. Most of the books are, let’s say, classic, having stood the test of time on how I view them.
One thing I’ve noticed about myself is that I get intellectually agitated when people point out ideas that I intuitively know to be true, but haven’t taken the time to think through. This is a book full of such ideas.
Why Large-Scale Projects Fail
The book looks into why large-scale projects frequently fail and, more importantly, how to make them succeed. Over the years, the authors have built a very large database of detailed project analysis. Shockingly, 62% of large projects miss their targets.
I’m sure you are familiar with this in the IT sector, where the mean cost overrun is 73%. This is higher than even aerospace or defense projects! However, the analysis extends far beyond technology projects. This book is relevant to anyone tackling anything large, whether it’s remodeling a kitchen, constructing a skyscraper, or building an airport. The lessons apply across domains because the principles of sound planning and execution are universal.
The Core Principle: Think First, Then Do
The core message of the book is summed up in the principle *’Think First, Then Do’*. Flyvbjerg and Gardner stress the importance of thorough planning, arguing that spending time and resources in the early stages is inexpensive compared to the enormous cost of fixing mistakes later on. Meticulous upfront planning, they argue, allows for smoother execution and fewer disruptions once the project moves into production. There’s a great example on planning and executing a Pixar movie that demonstrates this principle in action.
Modularity and the Tesla Gigafactory
A particularly compelling section of the book is the focus on modularity in project design. Flyvbjerg advocates breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable modules that can be replicated to minimize risk. For example, Tesla’s Gigafactory is constructed as a series of interconnected modules. At first, a few modules are connected together, and production begins. Think of it as a minimum viable product. Then, another set of modules can be constructed, added to the existing modules, expanding production capacity. A Gigafactory consists of many of these modules, meaning that you can have a working factory while you are still building it out.
This approach allows Tesla to scale production by replicating successful modules rather than relying on one enormous, bespoke structure. Replicate this method all around the world, and suddenly you’re building 20 million robotic vehicles a year.
Relevance to IT Projects
This concept is especially relevant to IT projects, where breaking down complex software systems into smaller, independently testable components can drastically reduce the likelihood of failure. If your project requires all components to work together, but none of them will be finished until the end, you have a problem.
Conclusion: Universal Lessons for Success
Whether you’re building a Tesla Gigafactory, developing software, or simply renovating your home, the message is clear: plan carefully, think ahead, and build projects that can succeed in the face of both the expected and the unexpected. This is a must-read.