How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors Behind Every Successful Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration

Best Books of 2023 – The Financial Times and The Economist
Shortlisted for Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year 2023
'Important, timely, instructive, and entertaining' - Daniel Kahneman, bestselling author of Thinking, Fast and Slow
World-expert Bent Flyvbjerg and bestselling author Dan Gardner reveal the secrets to successfully planning and delivering ambitious projects on any scale.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The Financial Times and The Economist have shortlisted "How Big Things Get Done" for the Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year 2023. The book, written by world-renowned experts Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner, offers valuable insights and strategies for successfully planning and executing ambitious projects on any scale.

A big vision can be incredibly inspiring, as exemplified by the story of Apple's iPod, which went from a single employee project to a hugely successful product launch in just eleven months. However, such successes are rare, and even modest endeavors, such as launching a small business, organizing a conference, or completing a work project on time, often fail.

Understanding the factors that distinguish between triumphs and failures has been the lifelong pursuit of Oxford professor Bent Flyvbjerg. In his book, "How Big Things Get Done," Flyvbjerg identifies the common errors that lead projects to fail and presents research-based principles that can ensure success.

One of the key principles emphasized in the book is the importance of understanding your odds. If you don't know your chances of success, you won't be able to take the necessary steps to achieve it. Flyvbjerg advises planning slowly and acting fast, but warns against the common misconception that rushing into action is the right approach.

He suggests thinking right to left, starting with your ultimate goal and then identifying the steps to get there. Another important principle is finding your Lego, which means building big projects from small, manageable pieces. Flyvbjerg explains that this approach allows for better control and flexibility, as well as the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Furthermore, Flyvbjerg addresses the unknown unknowns, which are the factors that we are unaware of but that can significantly impact our projects. He argues that many people underestimate their ability to handle these unknowns, leading to failure. However, Flyvbjerg provides practical strategies for overcoming these challenges, such as breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

The book is filled with vivid examples ranging from the construction of the Sydney Opera House to the making of the latest Pixar blockbusters. These examples serve to illustrate the principles discussed in the book and demonstrate how they can be applied to real-world situations.

In conclusion, "How Big Things Get Done" is a must-read for anyone who wants to succeed in planning and executing ambitious projects. The book offers valuable insights and strategies that can help individuals and organizations overcome the challenges of complexity, uncertainty, and time constraints. Whether you are launching a new business, organizing a major event, or simply trying to improve your productivity, this book will provide you with the tools you need to achieve your goals.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035018956