Improving EPC Project Management
Järvinen, Jyrki (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120432649
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120432649
Tiivistelmä
The objective of this study was to investigate how theory differs from practice in the EPC project management of a specific energy sector organization within selected knowledge areas. The chosen areas of focus are scope and requirements management. Additionally, the aim was to identify opportunities to improve project outcomes by aligning with best practices found in literature.
Data collection was conducted through a literature review of current practices and methodologies in EPC project management. This review provided a summary of project management standards and best practices related to EPC projects. Furthermore, the literature highlighted typical challenges and success factors in EPC projects. Finally, interviews were conducted with project managers to identify current practices in EPC projects and uncover differences compared to the literature.
This study demonstrated that the organization's EPC project management practices align partially with theoretical best practices, particularly in requirement traceability and change control, but gaps remain in early-phase requirement handling, scope validation and WBS utilization. Addressing these gaps through mandatory use of digital tools for requirement management from the sales phase, stronger validation gates and clearer role and KPI alignment can improve predictability, reduce risks and enhance overall EPC project performance.
Data collection was conducted through a literature review of current practices and methodologies in EPC project management. This review provided a summary of project management standards and best practices related to EPC projects. Furthermore, the literature highlighted typical challenges and success factors in EPC projects. Finally, interviews were conducted with project managers to identify current practices in EPC projects and uncover differences compared to the literature.
This study demonstrated that the organization's EPC project management practices align partially with theoretical best practices, particularly in requirement traceability and change control, but gaps remain in early-phase requirement handling, scope validation and WBS utilization. Addressing these gaps through mandatory use of digital tools for requirement management from the sales phase, stronger validation gates and clearer role and KPI alignment can improve predictability, reduce risks and enhance overall EPC project performance.