Narratives in Megaprojects

Description

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. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of cases Preface Chapter 1: What are narratives and why they are important? 1.1 Definition of a narrative 1.2 Key distinguishing characteristics of narratives 1.2.1 Coherent 1.2.2 Performative 1.2.3 Strategic 1.2.4 Promotional 1.3 Forms or narratives 1.4 The importance of narratives and their implications 1.5 Types of narratives 1.6 Past, present and future directions 1.7 Conclusion Sources References Chapter 2: Megaprojects and narratives 2.1 The context of megaprojects 2.2 Identity in megaprojects 2.3 Sensemaking and identity 2.4 Narratives in megaprojects 2.5 Counter-narratives in megaprojects 2.6 Narratives throughout a project lifecycle 2.7 Conclusion Sources References Chapter 3: Promoters and protesters’ narratives 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Stakeholders in megaprojects 3.2.1 Promoters 3.2.2 Protesters 3.2.3 Conflict between promoters and protesters 3.2.4 Resolution of conflicts 3.3 Promoters and protesters narratives 3.3.1 Need for the project 3.3.2 The stakeholder consultation process 3.3.3 Environmental sustainability 3.3.4 Excessive noise 3.4 Interaction between the narratives of promoters and protesters 3.4.1 Setting up a narrative 3.4.2 Setting up a counter-narrative 3.4.3 Countering the counter-narrative 3.5 Contesting the narratives 3.5.1 Rejecting 3.5.2 Delaying 3.5.3 Accepting 3.6 Conclusion Sources References Chapter 4: Crafting narratives in megaprojects 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Narrative instruments 4.2.1 Labels 4.2.2 Stories 4.2.3 Comparisons 4.3 Narrative instruments and their functions 4.4 Conclusion Sources References Chapter 5: Mobilising narratives in megaprojects 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Narrative processes 5.2.1 Repeating 5.2.2 Endorsing 5.2.3 Humourising 5.2.4 Actioning 5.3 Crafting and mobilising for external stakeholders 5.4 Conclusion Sources Notes References Chapter 6: Narrating and storytelling 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Interaction between narrating and storytelling 6.3 Formal and informal roles and identities 6.4 Narrating and storytelling in megaprojects 6.5 Conclusion Sources References Chapter 7: Motivations and sense of pride 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Motivations in megaprojects 7.2.1 Pride in the megaproject 7.2.2 Importance of the megaproject 7.2.3 Overemphasis on time 7.2.4 Acceptability of public inconvenience 7.3 Source of motivations 7.3.1 Instilling pride 7.3.2 Shaping identity 7.3.3 Creating urgency 7.3.4 Working through hardships 7.4 Narratives, motivations and sense of pride 7.5 Conclusion Sources References Chapter 8: Narratives of the future 8.1 Introduction 8.2 What makes a project narrative? 8.2.1 Future-oriented nature of project narratives 8.2.2 Project narratives are connected with grand narratives 8.2.3 Strong project narratives to overcome counter-narratives 8.2.4 Project narratives inspire people 8.2.5 Project narratives create project identity and image 8.3 Projecting narratives of future 8.4 Future directions 8.5 Conclusion Sources References Index