Identify A Major Public Infrastructure Project

Identify A Major Public Infrastructure Project That Is E

Identify a major public infrastructure project that is either underway, complete, or proposed in your region. This could be a bridge, road, building, or something of that nature. For the project you have identified, think of as many stakeholders and stakeholder groups as you can.

Create a three-column table. In column 1, list the stakeholders. In column 2, list what each stakeholder wants to get from the project. In column 3, list the influence each stakeholder has over the project.

How can the stakeholders change over the course of a project? Give examples of changes in who the stakeholders are, and also in how their interests or influence over the project might change throughout the term of the project.

Paper For Above instruction

For this analysis, I have selected the proposed or ongoing construction of a new bridge in my region, a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation connectivity and boosting economic development. This project involves multiple stakeholders, each with distinct interests and influence levels that may evolve over the project's duration.

Stakeholders and Their Interests

Stakeholders What They Want from the Project Influence Over the Project
Regional Government Authorities To deliver a successful project that enhances transportation, improves local economy, and gains public approval High influence, as they oversee approvals, funding, and policy implementation
Local Residents and Community Groups Minimal disruption, safety, and potential benefits like improved accessibility and economic growth Moderate influence through public opinion, community engagement, and protests or support
Construction Companies and Contractors To secure contracts, complete the project efficiently, and maximize profits High influence due to technical expertise and project execution capabilities
Environmental Organizations To ensure environmental sustainability and minimize ecological impact Moderate influence through advocacy, lobbying, and public campaigns
Funding Agencies and Investors To ensure the project yields financial and strategic returns High influence by controlling funding and investment decisions
Transport Authorities To integrate the new infrastructure into existing transportation systems effectively Moderate to high influence, depending on operational expertise and planning authority
Media and Public Opinion Leaders To shape public discourse, influence policy decisions, and sway public support Variable influence, highly dependent on media strategies and public sentiment

Changes in Stakeholders and Their Interests

Throughout the lifecycle of the bridge project, stakeholder dynamics are likely to shift considerably. Initially, local residents and community groups may hold a strong influence due to public concern over construction disruption or environmental impacts. As the project progresses and approaches completion, their influence might diminish unless issues arise or their interests are unmet.

Conversely, project developers and construction companies often experience a shift in influence. At the outset, they have significant control over project planning and execution. However, as the project nears completion, their influence may decline, giving way to operational authorities responsible for maintenance and integration into the city's transportation system.

Environmental organizations may increase influence during the planning and approval phases when environmental impact assessments are conducted. If significant ecological concerns are raised, their lobbying may alter project scope or introduce mitigation measures. After implementation, their influence might wane unless new environmental issues emerge.

Financial backers and funding agencies’ influence often fluctuates based on project milestones. Early in the project, their approval is vital for funding, but as the project approach completion, their influence could wane, shifting responsibility to local government and operational agencies.

Public opinion, mediated by media and community groups, can also see influence variation. During contentious phases such as planning and environmental approval, public sentiment can sway decision-making significantly. Once construction is complete, their influence may diminish unless dissatisfaction or unforeseen consequences become evident.

Conclusion

The dynamics of stakeholder interests and influence are inherent to large infrastructure projects such as a new bridge. Recognizing how these stakeholders evolve over time enables project managers and policymakers to better anticipate challenges, foster collaboration, and enhance project success. Effective stakeholder management requires ongoing engagement, transparency, and adaptability to navigate shifts in interests and influence throughout the project's lifecycle.

References

  • Bryson, J. M. (2004). What to do when stakeholders matter: Stakeholder identification and analysis techniques. Public Management Review, 6(1), 21-53.
  • Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Pitman Publishing Inc.
  • Mitchell, R. K., Agle, B. R., & Wood, D. J. (1997). Toward a theory of stakeholder identification and salience: Defining the principle of who and what really counts. The Academy of Management Review, 22(4), 853-886.
  • Ostrom, E. (2010). Polycentric systems for coping with collective action and global environmental change. Global Environmental Change, 20(4), 550-557.
  • Petts, J. (2009). Stakeholder engagement and the strategic management of risk. European Management Journal, 27(6), 446-455.
  • Rowe, G., & Frewer, L. (2005). A typology of public engagement mechanisms. Science, Technology, & Human Values, 30(2), 251-290.
  • Susskind, R., & Cruikshank, J. (2006). The Consensus Building Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Reaching agreement. Sage Publications.
  • Turner, R. (2010). Stakeholders and transport infrastructure projects: The case of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. Transport Policy, 17(4), 343-353.
  • Williams, T. (2005). An organizational framework for stakeholder influence in projects. Project Management Journal, 36(4), 23-34.
  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. Sage publications.