Focusing on turning an initial idea into a project with a successful outcome, this book fills a gap in current literature on project management and is thoroughly grounded in the latest research in this field. It emphasizes the practical application of decision making based on qualitative and judgmental information.

KNUT SAMSET is Professor of Project Management at the Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway, www.ntnu.no. He is the Founding Director of the Concept Research Programme on Front-end Management of Large Investment Projects, and Founding Director and Senior Partner of Scanteam, an international consultancy based in Oslo.

PART I: FRONT END MANAGEMENT OF PROJECTS  Attributes of a Project  Successful Projects Three Perspectives on a Project Three Main Phases in a Project Uncertainty, Risk and Opportunities Possibilities of Foreseeing  Strategic Guidance and Tactical Flexibility  The Problem of Cost  The Problem of Utility What is a Concept? Project Alignment: Needs, Objectives and Effects  Objectives and their Formulation  Methods and Analyses in the Front End Phase  Quality of Information  Front-end Assessment and the Decision to Finance a Project Three Steps in Front End Assessment: Definition, Development and Appraisal of Concept PART II: TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES Systems Analysis SWOT Analysis Strategy Analysis - Logical Framework Rough Analysis of Uncertainty Strategic Frames for Implementation Top-down Probability-based Cost Estimation Assessing Profitability Expressions of Costs and Benefits Probability-based Progress Analysis Evaluating Projects Boondoggles and White Elephants