Large-scale projects, self-organizing and meta-rules: towards new forms of management

Abstract A new approach to large-scale project management for industry is derived from the experience of the civil engineering sector. This new approach is based on self-organization and meta-rules which allow for greater productivity and a more organic organizational structure. In particular, the experience of Spie-Batignolles in managing large projects provides the principles and organizing rules which distinguish the new approach. Classical project management is described and then, for comparison, the new approach is outlined and evaluated, all of which is designed to help managers find the ‘right’ form of management approach for their large-scale projects.