BOOK REVIEW
B
ook Title: Megaproject Management: Lessons on Risk and Project Management from the Big Dig
Author: Virginia A. Greiman
Publisher: Wiley
List Price: $128.95
Format: Hardcover, 496 pages
Publication Date: 2013
ISBN: 978-1-118-11547-3
Reviewer: Nicole Thomas
Review Date: June 2026
Introduction
Megaproject Management: Lessons on Risk and Project Management from the Big Dig (Greiman, 2013) provides readers with lessons learned from Boston’s Central Artery/Tunnel Project, also known as the Big Dig. The project is considered one of the most challenging infrastructure projects in U.S. history due to its size, complexity, cost, and public visibility.
The author provides an overview of megaprojects and gives insight into the day-to-day challenges, uncertainties, and successes experienced by the Big Dig project team. Using the Big Dig as a case study, Greiman demonstrates the importance of project management and risk management in delivering large and complex projects.
Overview of Book’s Structure
The book’s structure is simple and easy for readers to follow. It begins with an introduction to megaprojects and the Big Dig, including information related to long project durations, costs exceeding $1 billion, public and political influences, procurement methods, and project delivery approaches.
Chapters 3 through 12 focus on specific project management concepts, including stakeholder management, governance, scope management, scheduling, cost management, risk management, quality management, sustainability, and leadership. Each chapter discusses how these topics influenced the planning and execution of the Big Dig infrastructure project.
The chapters also provide background information, lessons learned, a summary, ethical considerations, and discussion questions. This format helps reinforce key concepts and encourages readers to think about how the lessons can be applied to future projects.
Highlights
The book highlights the importance of effective risk management, stakeholder engagement, cost management, leadership, and adaptability when dealing with unforeseen challenges. Throughout it, the author demonstrates how decisions made during the project affected project outcomes and stakeholder perceptions.
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How to cite this work: Thomas, N. (2026). Megaproject Management: Lessons on Risk and Project Management from the Big Dig, book review, PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue VIII, August. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pmwj167-Aug2026-Thomas-Megaproject-Management-book-review.pdf
About the Reviewer
Nicole Thomas
North Texas, USA
Nicole Thomas is an IT leader with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has led cross-functional teams and partnered with business stakeholders to deliver technology solutions that improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and support strategic business objectives. Her experience spans the planning, delivery, implementation, and operational support of technology initiatives that help organizations achieve measurable business results.
She is passionate about developing high-performing teams and fostering collaborative environments where people and ideas can thrive. She brings an adaptive leadership style that helps teams navigate change, innovate, and deliver meaningful business outcomes. Her professional interests include leadership development, Agile delivery, product and project ownership, and aligning technology with business priorities to solve complex challenges and create lasting organization value.
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and currently pursuing a master’s degree. She maintains professional certifications in Scrum, Project Management, IT Service Management, cloud computing, networking, and cybersecurity.
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