ABSTRACT

This book is a novel contribution to a field dominated by conventional approaches to project management; it is about narratives in megaprojects. Among the questions examined in this original new book are:

  • What are narratives?
  • Why are they important in megaprojects?
  • How are they formed and used in megaprojects?
  • How do promotors of and protestors against megaprojects craft narratives to their advantage?
  • What strategies can project managers employ to effectively use narratives in megaprojects?

Built from longitudinal research studies in combination with internationally recognised teaching materials, this book will provide readers with a theoretical understanding of narratives and projects, as well as practical international case studies, including HS2, the Dakota Access Pipeline, the Eden Project and Thames Tideway, to support their understanding. The authors explain the different types of narrative, and how and why they are important in general and in relation to a megaproject and its lifecycle, but also explore how to craft narratives in different situations, and how they are changed and maintained over a project's lifecycle.

Narratives in Megaprojects doubles as a text supporting more advanced courses on project management or aspects thereof, and as a reflection of the state of the art in this particular perspective on megaprojects. It is essential reading for all students and professionals in project management, construction and infrastructure as well as executive leaders involved in megaprojects and infrastructure delivery.

chapter 2|17 pages

Megaprojects and narratives

chapter 3|20 pages

Promoters and protesters' narratives

chapter 4|16 pages

Crafting narratives in megaprojects

chapter 5|16 pages

Mobilising narratives in megaprojects

chapter 6|17 pages

Narrating and storytelling

chapter 7|11 pages

Motivations and sense of pride

chapter 8|12 pages

Narratives of the future