Expanding advanced work packaging to include commissioning and startup for industrial projects

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive analysis on how the advanced work packaging (AWP) managerial paradigm could be advanced by incorporating and integrating the post-construction commissioning and startup (CSU) phases. Design/methodology/approach: This study was implemented with the support of consolidated knowledge from industry subject matter experts and an exhaustive literature review to provide a knowledge foundation for the developments. The findings were further validated and strengthened by external subject matter experts. Findings: A new operating system-oriented work package, systems work package (SWP), is devised with a set of definitions and models of how it relates to AWPs with three-dimensional visualizations. SWP-related constraints, key roles and responsibilities are thoroughly investigated. Research limitations/implications: A new SWP concept would pose potential challenges for its adoption because of inherent organizational culture and hesitation to change. A systematic reorganization of existing practices is considered as a key strategy to alleviate the limitation, and short- and long-term validity of SWP is currently being investigated by organizations. Practical implications: This research provides practical implementation strategies on CSU integration which lead to benefits including: better alignment and collaboration of stakeholders, reduced costs for associating AWPs to SWP and improved predictability. Originality/value: AWP-related studies have primarily focused on the construction phase, with minimal integration of CSU considerations. Highlighting the importance of the philosophy “start with the end in mind,” this research describes how the AWP managerial paradigm can be expanded to include CSU, by placing a strong emphasis on understanding CSU priorities, sequences and constraints.