Contemporary Megaprojects

Contemporary megaprojects have evolved from the discreet, modernist projects undertaken in the past by centralized authorities to encompass everything from large-scale construction to space exploration. Contemporary Megaprojects explores how these projects have been impacted by cutting-edge technology, the private sector, and the processes of decentralization and dematerialization. With case studies ranging from mega-plantations in Southeast Asia to ocean mapping to sports events, the contributions in this collected volume demonstrate the increasing ambition and pervasiveness of these projects, as well as their significant impact on both society and the environment.

Gulf capital flows to Amman, Jordan, in the early twenty-first century and the investment of this capital in large-scale urban developments have significantly transformed the city’s built environment. Therefore, to understand urban transformation in Amman during this period it is important to analyze it against the backdrop of Gulf capital and its integration into Jordan’s economy and the integration of both the country’s economy and Gulf capital into the global capitalist economy. This book analyzes three cases of megaprojects planned for the city in the early twenty-first century: The New Downtown (Abdali), Jordan Gate, and Sanaya Amman. Drawing upon theories on urban development and capitalism, identity, and discourse, and urban development processes and cases in other cities, the book investigates how contemporary megaprojects in Amman fit into the capitalist economy and its modes of production, how capital flows construct a modern image of the city, and how the new image and megaprojects represent the city residents as modern and create Amman as a global city. This book presents a new approach to the study of the urban built environment in Amman, providing a valuable interdisciplinary contribution to the scholarly work on globalizing cities, especially in the Middle East.

GLOBAL MEGAPROJECTS The definitive guide to international megaprojects from an undisputed authority in the field In Global Megaprojects: Lessons, Case Studies, and Expert Advice on International Megaproject Management, distinguished international megaproject researcher and consultant Virginia A. Greiman delivers a comprehensive and incisive discussion of a key topic in global infrastructure development: the international megaproject. In the book, readers will find indispensable guidance and insights from experienced megaproject experts, as well as over 20 case studies highlighting practical solutions to common and pressing issues faced by project stakeholders around the world. This book was written to demonstrate that megaprojects can and have accomplished major economic, social, and technical advancements thought impossible but achieved by successfully confronting the challenges of the time. This book offers solutions and prescriptions for megaproject participants to overcome the complex challenges presented by these projects. It incorporates the latest evidence-based theory and a wealth of practical experience and provides a truly international perspective, showcasing viewpoints from a diverse collection of regions, cultures, and industries. Global Megaprojects also presents: Thorough introductions to megaprojects and their lifecycles, including the megaproject ecosystem and the world’s emerging megaprojects In-depth examinations of megaproject finance and economics, including innovation and value-driven program management Extensive explorations of complex project leadership, including the characteristics of uncertainty, complex projects, and cross-cultural dynamics Comprehensive discussions of megaproject implementation management, including global delivery methodologies and strategic objective alignment Global Megaprojects: Lessons, Case Studies, and Expert Advice on International Megaproject Management will earn a place in the libraries of project managers, policymakers, academics, contractors, engineers, suppliers, investors, and sponsors of large international projects.

This book discusses the economic and political conditions that facilitate megaproject implementation and what are the impacts on urbanity and livability of such costly mode of urban development. It includes contributions from sociologists, planners, geographers and architects making it a truly multidisciplinary project.

Megaproject Leaders brings together 18 prominent academics who interviewed 16 great megaproject leaders originating from 10 different countries. Based on a reflective methodological approach, these chapters investigate the managing of megaprojects from a human perspective, identify new trends in the managing of megaprojects and identify lessons learned from the personal views of the interviewees. The novel ideas presented will appeal to academics, practitioners and university students.

Megaprojects for Megacities is a collection of 14 international case studies of transportation, urban development, and environmental megaprojects completed during the last ten years in North America, Asia and Europe. It goes beyond the previous megaproject literature to look at how and why each project was conceived, planned, engineered, financed, and delivered, and at how particular planning and delivery practices shaped outcomes.

In recent decades, the global North has been engulfed by neoliberalism. Neoliberal ideas have dominated the economy and public policies, and have become deeply entrenched as “common sense.” Latin America has not been immune to this trend. However, at the same time, governments and popular mobilizations across the continent have actively resisted and challenged neoliberalism. Countries such as Venezuela and Bolivia have sometimes been grouped under the label of a “pink tide,” denoting their leftist alignment and their resistance to the Washington-led neoliberal consensus. This opposition to neoliberal development patterns in Latin America has gone beyond social-democratic reformism to a revival of Marxist theoretical perspectives and political practices. This book provides an insight into the rich diversity of Latin American Marxism, historically and contemporarily. Given the global interest in the revival of radicalism in Latin America, it will appeal to a wide audience, and should be of interest to non-Marxist as well as Marxist scholars with interests in topics from political economy to cultural theory.