The Concept Symposium 2006 - Topics and program

Good governance of major investment projects requires some sort of regime. This should comprise the processes and systems that need to be in place on behalf of the financing party to ensure successful investments. More specifically, this would typically include a regulatory framework to ensure adequate quality at entry, compliance with agreed objectives, management and resolution of issues that may arise during the project, etc., and standards for quality review of key governance documents.

The challenges are numerous: How to ensure projects’ viability and relevance up-front; how to avoid hidden agendas during planning, underestimation of costs and overestimation of utility, unrealistic and inconsistent assumptions; how to secure essential planning data, adequate contract regimes, etc.
 

Symposium Topics

The topics for the symposium are: What are the current procedures applied in different countries and agencies - and what are their effects? What would it take to develop more effective governance regimes at international, government or corporate level to ensure maximum utility and return on investment for society and investors? What would be the optimal mix of regulations, economic means and information in improved governance regimes for major investment projects?
 

Organizers and practical information

The host for this symposium is the Norwegian Ministry of Finance. It is organized by the Concept Research Program, based at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration. For two days current government and industry practices in different countries and their effect will be presented and discussed. The Norwegian quality-at-entry regime that was introduced in year 2000 by the Norwegian Ministry of Finance is one of several cases that will be reviewed.

Aim and target audience

This event is an arena for professional exchange among some 80 selected resource persons with particular experience in this field. The symposium targets key professionals in government, international agencies, research and industry. The aim is to initiate further international cooperation and research.
 

Program Day 1: Thursday - September 7, 2006

0900-0915
 

Opening Statement by the Chairman of the Symposium
Bjørn Andersen, Professor, NTNU
 

0915-0930
 

Welcome speech by the Pro-Rector of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Astrid Lægreid, Pro-Rector and Professor, NTNU
 

0930-1015
 

Organizational Governance and Project Success: Lessons from Boston’s Big Dig
Jeffrey Pinto, Professor, Penn State University, USA
 

1015-1100
 

The Governance of Major Projects: Lessons from the Channel Fixed Link
Graham Winch, PhD MCIOB, Professor, Manchester Business School, UK
 

1100-1130

Break
 

1130-1215
 

Norway: A Regime for External Quality Assurance of Major Public Projects
Peder Berg, Deputy Director General, Norwegian Ministry of Finance
 

1215-1300
 

Excellence and Improvisation in Life and Projects – by Way of Jazz
Bjørn Alterhaug (bass) and Jan Pål Inderberg (sax), NTNU
 

1300-1400

Lunch
 

1400-1445
 

Improving Quality at Entry – Principles and Procedures
Knut Samset, Professor, NTNU and Program Director, Concept Program
 

1445-1530
 

United Kingdom: Experiences of Implementing the OGC Gateway Process for Governance of Large Projects
Ian Glenday, Executive Director, Office of Government Commerce. This presentation was held by Colin Howard, Director, SJC Howard Ltd, UK
 

1530-1600

Break
 

1600-1715
 

Professional Exchange Session 1
Introduction by Ole Jonny Klakegg, Research Director, Concept Program, NTNU
 

1715-1730
 

Closing Statement Day 1 by the Chairman of the Symposium
Bjørn Andersen, Professor, NTNU
 

1830-1910
 

Reception at Nidaros Cathedral Museum, hosted by the Mayor of Trondheim
Muscial performance by Sonia Loinsworth
 

1910-2330

 

Symposium Dinner at the Archbishop's Palace, hosted by the Norwegian Ministry of Finance
Tore Eriksen, Secretary General, Norwegian Ministry of Finance

Program Day 2: Friday - September 8, 2006

0900-0915

Introduction by the Chairman of the Symposium
Bjørn Andersen, Professor NTNU
 

0915-1000

Accountable Megaproject Decision-making
Bent Flyvbjerg, Professor, Aalborg University, Denmark
 

1000-1030

Break
 

1030-1115

Canada: Governance of Major Projects – the Case of Quebec
Roger Miller, Professor, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Canada
 

1115-1200

Finland: Governing Major Investment Projects by Result Oriented Budgeting, Reforming Administration and Utilizing Markets Efficiently
Pekka Pelkonen, Budget Counsellor, Ministry of Finance, Finland
 

1200-1300

Lunch
 

1300-1415

Professional Exchange Session 2
Introduction by Ole Jonny Klakegg, Research Director, Concept Program, NTNU
 

1415-1500

Predictable and Competitive Investment Processes. Experience from the Private Sector and Norwegian Petroleum Industry
Arne Liverud, Managing Director, Naturkraft AS
 

1500-1545

Poster session
 

1545-1630

Highlights from the Professional Exchange Sessions
Peder Berg, Deputy Director General, Norwegian Ministry of Finance
Bjørn Andersen, Professor, NTNU
 

1630-1700

Closing Statement by the Chairman of the Concept Program
Peder Berg, Deputy Director General, Norwegian Ministry of Finance