Complexity of Megaprojects

There is nothing that illustrates complexity as completely as megaprojects. These are almost synonyms for a construct that is not precise. Project complexity is just one of several concepts, but in the world of construction of paramount importance. It can be demonstrated that a distinction among four different types of complexity helps to understand megaprojects best. One is the overall project complexity, the other three are task, social and cultural complexity. Normally, literature (Gidado, 1996) has only been concerned about task complexity. If the others are not addressed as well, a megaproject is set for failure. Contractors in megaprojects reply to overall and to task complexity by breaking it down to functional departments, to social complexity by trust and commitment, and to cultural complexity by sensemaking processes.