Improving Project Management practices in XT-Tools Department at BHGE.

Abstract

In a fast and altering environment, effective project management is key for survival for many organisations (Ebert and Man, 2008). This thesis was engendered upon the delays and cost overruns for many subsea projects at BHGE Dusavik. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and improve the project management practices in XT & Tools Department at BHGE, with emphasizing on standardisation. The main issues with current project management practices that contribute to underperformance were examined, and suggestions for improvement of project performance is provided. The thesis represents a qualitative research method with an abductive research approach, acquired by semi-structured interviews and literature review. It provides a broad overview of the project management approaches, tools and techniques, project success and main challenges with standardisation. The results show four main project issues areas: 1) Communication; 2) Project Management; 3) Resources allocation; and 4) Project structure and processes. Implementation of standardization has potential for improving the project overview and processes, communication and learning in the organisation. Finally, four key project management improvement initiatives (PMIIs) were identified. The PMIIs give indication on which practices that should gain more attention before an implementation can be initiated.