How Big Things Get Done

• 1.Most large projects fail due to systematic biases in planning and execution, not technical challenges.
• 2.The planning fallacy - our tendency to underestimate costs and time - is the primary cause of project failures.
• 3.Successful projects require modular design, clear accountability, and realistic planning based on historical data.
• 4.Reference class forecasting, which uses data from similar past projects, provides more accurate estimates than expert judgment.
• 5.Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable modules reduces risk and increases the likelihood of success.

How Big Things Get Done examines why large projects so often fail and what can be done to improve their success rates. Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner analyze thousands of projects across various industries to identify the common patterns that lead to failure and success. The book provides practical strategies for better project planning and execution, emphasizing the importance of realistic estimates, modular design, and learning from historical data. It offers a framework for managing complex projects more effectively.