Contract and Risk Management Strategies for Successful Infrastructure Delivery [Postponed]

The delivery of large infrastructure projects involves the management of a complex array of risks, many of which are expected to occur, while other risks may, or may not, occur but could have significant impacts on the successful and timely completion of the infrastructure.

Impacts such as weather and geotechnical conditions cannot be quantified at the start of a construction contract but these risks can be expected to impact on the project to some extent, and are typically defined as a “… known unknown risk … ”.

Other risks that are often more difficult to quantify, but may occur, include impacts of changes in legislation, potential impacts on the environment [erosion, contamination, noise, vibration, stakeholder discontent], and impacts of inter related contracts and agreements.

Responsibility to manage such risks can be achieved in various ways, but the manner in how such management is deployed has a significant impact on the success of the project.

The protocols and processes for identifying, treating and managing such risks must be undertaken in a clear and transparent manner to avoid creating additional unnecessary challenges in delivering a successful project.

Finally, disputes frequently occur and the protocols and processes used to resolve disputed issues are essential in delivering successful infrastructure projects.

This workshop is based on Tim’s 48 year experience across a variety of industries including commercial and naval shipbuilding, high speed packaging and brewing, steel mills and aluminium refineries, electrical infrastructure and coal mining, and will explore various strategies and techniques to consistently deliver successful outcomes on large infrastructure projects.

This workshop should provide participants with some insights into recognising potential risks and some concepts in developing appropriate strategies to avoid project failures.

📝 Workshop Agenda

Strategic Risk Awareness and Delivery Principles for Managing or Recovering Large Infrastructure Projects

09:00 – 09:30 | Registration & Welcome Coffee

09:30 – 10:00 | Opening Remarks & Framing the Day

• Key characteristics of large infrastructure projects

• Why some succeed, and why others struggle

• The difference between “known risks” and “hidden threats”

10:00 – 11:00 | Session 1: Risk Categories and Early Warning Signs

• What are “known unknowns”?

• Case examples: weather, ground conditions, political exposure

• Discussion: How to identify emerging threats before they develop into significant risks

11:00 – 11:15 | Break

11:15 – 12:15 | Session 2: Strategic Risk Allocation – What Happens When You Get It Wrong?

• Who should own which risk — and why it matters

• Stories from the field: misplaced responsibilities, major delays and cost blowouts

• Discussion: Risk-sharing vs. risk denial

12:15 – 13:15 | Lunch

13:15 – 14:15 | Session 3: Environmental and Stakeholder Triggers

• External forces that derail project delivery

• Environmental and social risks – perceptions and reality

• The role of interdependent contracts

14:15 – 15:15 | Session 4: From Problem to Dispute – How it Escalates

• A walkthrough of a dispute timeline and the outcomes on a project exceeding $USD40M

• Missed opportunities for early intervention

• Discussion: How can project culture and communications prevent significant disputes?

15:15 – 15:30 | Break

15:30 – 16:30 | Session 5: Practical Delivery Lessons from 48 Years in the Field

• Recommendations for avoiding unnecessary pain

• How strong delivery practices reduce risk

• Q&A: Participant challenges and scenario sharing

16:30 – 17:00 | Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Reflections on key takeaways

• Preview of the upcoming in-depth technical masterclass

• Final Q&A