ABSTRACT

Let’s begin by understanding what ‘complex’ means in project terms – and the easiest way to do this is to start with what it isn’t. Clearly, complexity isn’t simple; but neither is it complicated. The difference is in the degree of uncertainty. Complicated things are difficult to produce; they are usually made up of a large number of components; they may take a long time to build – but they are capable of being described in detail, down to the last brick, rivet or connection. Because of that, their design and construction can be accurately and precisely articulated and planned; they can be built even by people who don’t fully understand what they are doing, so long as they comply – to the letter – with the engineering processes that are laid down by those who do. Any failure is due to either lack of compliance or an inadequacy in the process description.