Innovative Research for Transformative Major Projects
Transforming Major Project Delivery
Evidence-Driven Insights for Major Project Success
Improving Project Appraisal
Enhancing decision-making processes for effective project governance.
Improving Efficiency
Driving performance improvements through innovative contracting & procurement strategies.
Increase Sustainability
Enhancing community wellbeing while fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Our Research
The Megaprojects Research Group at Deakin University is a multidisciplinary, industry-informed, and collaborative research team focused on impactful research within the realm of large-scale, capital-intensive, and complex projects. These projects and programs involve multiple stakeholders and have significant economic and social effects.
The group is dedicated to improving the delivery of major infrastructure projects by providing decision-makers with solid, evidence-based insights essential for strategic planning, management, and execution.
The group’s research themes encompass performance improvement, project governance, risk management, benefits realization, cost and value management, and sustainability. By partnering with industry organizations, the group aims to develop innovative solutions and world-leading knowledge to tackle the challenges and intricacies of megaprojects.
Research Themes
Explore how our research themes drive innovation and excellence in megaproject delivery, ensuring sustainable and efficient outcomes.
Governance and Decision-Making
Enhancing governance structures to streamline decision-making processes and improve project outcomes.
Procurement and Contracting Strategies
Innovative procurement and contracting strategies for efficiency and effectiveness in megaprojects.
Risk, Uncertainty, and Complexity
Developing robust risk management frameworks to mitigate uncertainties and enhance project resilience.
Sustainability In Megaprojects
Promoting sustainable practices to ensure environmental and social responsibility in project execution.
Cost Overruns, Schedule Delays, and Performance Failures
Developing a systemic and holistic understanding of cost overrun causation and performance failures, benchmarking, ex-post evaluations
Public Acceptability and Stakeholder Engagement
Measuring and enhancing public acceptability of megaprojects. The role of media and public narratives in shaping megaproject perceptions
Latest Publications
Unlocking Collaboration: The Political and Institutional Forces Driving Risk Allocation in Transport Megaprojects
Authors: Moore, T., Ahiaga-Dagbui, D. D., Chen, Y., & Shrestha, A. (2025). Project Management Journal [Click to Download Paper]
Listen to Article Overview
Optimising Major Project Delivery: Maximising value through outcome-based procurement (A review of the Program Delivery Approach by Major Road Projects Victoria)
Authors: Dominic Ahiaga-Dagbui, Jamal Thaheem and Asheem Shrestha [Click here to Download Report]
Toward a Deeper Understanding of Optimism Bias and Transport Project Cost Overrun
Authors: Chen, Y., Ahiaga-Dagbui, D. D., Thaheem, M. J., & Shrestha, A. (2023). Project Management Journal, 54(5), 561-578. [Click to Download Paper]
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Current Projects
Rethinking Risk Management for Complex Projects
Project Governance in Complex Environments
In today’s landscape where project selection is shaped by complex institutional and political factors, this research examines the project appraisal mechanisms that can enhance outcomes. By integrating empirical analysis with a deep understanding of these forces, we aim to improve decision-making processes, enabling stakeholders to navigate the challenges of project governance more effectively. Addressing the political, social, environmental, and economic drivers, this project seeks to foster sustainable infrastructure solutions that endure over time.
Innovating Major Project Contracting
Social Impact of Infrastructure Projects
This project explores the social impact of infrastructure projects to illuminate the profound ways these initiatives shape communities. By examining the interplay between infrastructure development and impacted communities, we seek to uncover and model both the intended and unintended consequences of these projects. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to a deeper understanding of how infrastructure can be a catalyst for positive social change, driving not only economic benefits but also enhancing the quality of life for all impacted stakeholders involved.
Join Our Research Community
Partner with us to explore groundbreaking research opportunities, or reach out for more information on how our insights can benefit your projects. Together, we can shape the future of megaprojects.