How Big Things Get Done

by Bent Flyvbjerg, Dan Gardner
How Big Things Get Done cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Business and Economics
Technical
  • ID: 2681
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781035018963
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2023-02-16
  • Reviews: 3

How Big Things Get Done reveals the principles behind the success or failure of large-scale projects, from tech innovations to infrastructure developments. By examining examples like Apple's iPod and London's Crossrail, the authors identify key strategies for overcoming common pitfalls. Bent Flyvbjerg, an Oxford professor, outlines actionable principles such as understanding project odds, planning meticulously before acting, and breaking down large tasks into manageable components. These insights are supported by vivid case studies, including the Sydney Opera House and Pixar blockbusters, offering practical advice for anyone aiming to turn big visions into reality.

Reviews
Taylor & Francis Online · SP Philbin · 2024-01-01
valuable 4.00

The book is praised for its accessibility and practical advice, making it a valuable resource for project managers.

SP Philbin's review highlights the book's accessibility and practical advice, making it a valuable resource for project managers. They appreciate that the book is not overly academic, making it suitable for a wide audience. The reviewer finds the book to be interesting and not too long, which adds to its appeal. The practical advice and real-world examples are seen as particularly valuable, making it a crucial guide for enhancing the success of mega projects. The reviewer's overall impression is positive, highlighting the book's potential to make a significant impact in the field of project management.

Quick quotes

    The book How Big Things Get Done is an interesting and accessible read – not too long and not overly academic.

    The book possesses practical advice and real-world examples that are particularly valuable.

    It is a crucial guide for enhancing the success of mega projects.

The Independent Review · 2023-10-01
informative 4.00

The book highlights common mistakes in large projects and provides research-backed principles for successful planning. It uses real-world examples to illustrate key points.

This review delves into the book's exploration of why big projects often fail and what can be done to ensure their success. The authors draw on a wealth of examples, from California's High-Speed Rail to Japan's Monju nuclear power plant, to illustrate the pitfalls and solutions. They emphasize the importance of realistic planning and the use of data to avoid common mistakes. The reviewer appreciates the practical advice and the depth of research that goes into each recommendation. Overall, it's a valuable resource for anyone involved in large-scale project management.

Quick quotes

    The book is littered with examples of projects gone bad, from California's High-Speed Rail to Japan's Monju nuclear power plant.

    Flyvbjerg and Gardner provide a wealth of practical advice for anyone involved in large-scale project management.

    The authors emphasize the importance of realistic planning and the use of data to avoid common mistakes.

Effective Altruism Forum · 2023-05-17
practical 4.50

The book offers practical lessons on project management, emphasizing realistic planning and data-driven decision-making.

This review focuses on the practical lessons that can be gleaned from the book, particularly in the realm of project management. The reviewer appreciates the emphasis on realistic planning and the concept of 'think slow, act fast'. They also highlight the use of data to avoid common pitfalls, which they find particularly valuable. The reviewer finds the book to be an accessible and interesting read, not overly academic, making it suitable for a wide audience. The insights provided are seen as crucial for enhancing the success of mega projects.

Quick quotes

    I especially loved the focus on realistic planning, the concept of 'think slow, act fast', and the use of data to avoid common pitfalls.

    The book is an interesting and accessible read – not too long and not overly academic.

    The insights provided are crucial for enhancing the success of mega projects.

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