%0 Thesis
%9 Master
%A Zieleman, Jessica
%D 2023
%F theses_frw:4408
%P 63
%T Flexibility in infrastructure projects: Practical insights into enablers and blockers of flexibilty
%U https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4408/
%X Large infrastructure projects are often characterized by budget and time overruns (Koppenjan et al., 2011). The increasing complexity of infrastructure projects and their environments has necessitated greater flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected events (Leendertse et al., 2022 and Giezen et al., 2014). However, in practice, a tendency toward a control-oriented approach persists, where deviations from predefined project objectives are viewed as undesirable due to their associated time and cost implications (Koppenjan et al., 2011). Therefore, this study aimed to find the flexibility enablers and blockers in practice that can help or prevent a project organization to adapt well to the changing circumstances. Through asking interviewees about their responses towards unexpected events, insights into the flexibility enablers and blockers in practice have come to light. It was concluded that flexibility is enabled by the individuals working within the project organizations. Flexibility extends down to the personal level. Therefore, trust, stakeholder inclusion, and collaboration are highly important. Although the human aspect of flexibility is crucial, practical enhancements can also be made. A less diverse scope, not over-specifying the planning procedures, tender on quality, and allocating time for dialogue sessions were mentioned to improve the flexibility of a project organization.