Design, and sometimes construction, is started before research and development is complete and sometimes before technical feasibility is established. These projects have essentially been managed in the same way as infrastructure projects. Technical risk analysis and mitigation have been poor, and cost contingencies wholly inadequate. The new philosophy includes using systems engineering as an umbrella discipline covering the entire process, from pre-conceptual activities to facility startup. Early identification and mitigation of technical and programmatic risks is essential.
Risk analysis is updated throughout the life of the project.
Fast-track schedules are resisted. Technology development, design, and construction are sequential. Independent reviews are used to verify technologies and designs. Critical decisions are deliberate and made by an informed management team. These new project management strategies include initiating independent reviews by outside experts early and regularly throughout the project to identify and correct potential problems and identifying project personnel and reinforcing their responsibility to ensure successful project execution.