MAJOR PROJECTS ACADEMY
A Leading Authority in 'Mega' Projects
Dr Gary Walker
Founder & Academy Director
Founder
Dr Walker is the Founder, and Director of the Major Projects Academy. An accredited online institute that is dedicated to the strategic management of mega infrastructure projects and the role the client has to play to deliver the economic, social, and environmental benefits through best practice techniques.
He is a renowned expert in mega projects, and continues to publish books and articles in leading international academic journals on the subject. He continues to be associated with several international universities over the years, designing and teaching master programs in the strategic management of 'mega' projects.
As chairman of the Major Projects Group, Dr Walker is an executive advisor to some of the worlds leading firms such as EY, Nuclear Waste Services, GE Hitachi etc on major infrastructure implementation strategies, and alternative sustainable transportation and energy projects. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in construction and project management, along with a doctoral degree in major infrastructure projects. Making him one of the worlds leading authorities in mega projects and sort after speaker in the art of client leadership.
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Prior to going into practice, Dr Walker held many senior executive positions at such prestigious companies as AECOM, ARUP, MACE, RAILTRACK (NETWORK RAIL), and BOVIS (LEND LEASE).
He has advised international governments, owners, and developers in strategic management, and led many 'mega' projects such as: 2010 South Africa FIFA World Cup; Gautrain High Speed Rail Link; London 2012 Olympics; Channel Tunnel Rail Link (HS1); Thameslink 2000; British Energy & Westinghouse Nuclear Fuels PIP; Heathrow Express Rail Link; Baku Multi-Purpose Development, to name but a few.​
Programs
Strategic Management of Major Projects
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The Strategic Management of Major Projects (SMMP) is a commissioned executive education program designed to address strategic capability gaps in major infrastructure delivery organisations
The program addresses a persistent and well-evidenced reality:
most program failures originate at a strategic level, not at program or project execution level.
Who the Program Is For
The SMMP is designed for:
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Infrastructure owners and clients
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Public authorities and sponsoring bodies
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Tier-1 consultants and delivery organisations
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Corporate entities managing large capital portfolios
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It is intended for senior leaders with strategic responsibility, not general practitioners.
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What the Program Addresses
The program focuses on:
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Strategic management capability
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Executive decision-making and mandate
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Governance and accountability
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Cross-disciplinary awareness
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Client-side responsibility for outcomes
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Each module addresses a mandatory executive knowledge area required for successful major program leadership.
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How the Program Is Delivered
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Closed, commissioned cohorts
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Organisation-specific or joint client–consultant delivery
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Research-led content and case analysis
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Executive paper-style assignments
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Confidential executive discussion
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The program is not offered via open enrolment.
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Books
Role of the Client
This book is dedicated to the strategic management of mega projects, and in particular, the role of the client. We look at the role of the client executive sponsor and how to use alternative, proven management techniques, that will improve your performance as a project leader. The content includes teachings on client sponsorship; executive leadership; mega project governance; strategic procurement; performance improvement; and organisational strategy
System Methodology
This book is dedicated to the strategic management of mega projects, and in particular, to system methodology. We look at the systematic approach a client executive sponsor has to manage during the strategic planning, program development, and project implementation phases of mega project.
The content includes detailed sub-process guidance on management components; vertical connectivity interfaces; stage-gateway hold points; input/output criteria; key activity milestones to enable a client to be informed and seen as a mega project leader.
Funding Mastery
This book is dedicated to the strategic management of mega projects and in particular, to the funding of mega projects. We look at the available ways for clients executive sponsors to fund, from traditional project finance, to turnkey concessions, and alternative structures. We examine the origins, the players, and benefits of each funding route to give you a clear understanding and 'mastery'.
The content includes the origins of project finance; the funding structures of past mega projects; processes involved; and analysis.