Project management excellence: The Shell Stanney case

This study concerns the management principles applied by both the client and the management contractor during the successful design and construction of a three storey office and laboratory block. The client was Shell Research and the management contractor Wimpey Construction Management. The study demonstrates how many of the principles promoted by recent books such as In Search of Excellence are applicable. Success requires an initial ability to think creatively and be willing to try new approaches and then strong determination to apply the principles throughout the whole design and construction process. The paper is based on interviews with several of the key participants and records their perception of the key ingredients of success.