Megaprojects as Symbols

 

An Anthropological Perspective on the Symbolic Interpretations of the Dutch High Speed Train Megaproject

Megaprojects can be perceived as modern symbols; they are crucial for the encapsulation of ideas, attitudes, and beliefs. This webinar explores which exegetical meanings (meaning derived from local interpretations) a megaproject can encapsulate and how this shapes the megaproject’s process. We discuss a longitudinal study of how the Dutch High Speed Train megaproject was executed. The findings show three exegetical meanings of the megaproject which were used for strategic goals, resulting in power struggles, delays, cost overrun, and finally a negative symbol of a failed megaproject.

This webinar is based on the 2018 Project Management Journal Paper of the Year. This paper contributes to the megaproject literature with an anthropological perspective on symbolism. You can access the paper here. Access to the Project Management Journal is a PMI member benefit.

An Anthropological Perspective on the Symbolic Interpretations of the Dutch High Speed Train Megaproject Megaprojects can be perceived as modern symbols; they are crucial for the encapsulation of ideas, attitudes, and beliefs. This webinar explores which exegetical meanings (meaning derived from local interpretations) a megaproject can encapsulate and how this shapes the megaproject’s process. We discuss a longitudinal study of how the Dutch High Speed Train megaproject was executed. The findings show three exegetical meanings of the megaproject which were used for strategic goals, resulting in power struggles, delays, cost overrun, and finally a negative symbol of a failed megaproject.