{"title":"Bent Flyvbjerg","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"how-big-things-get-done-flyvbjerg-gardner-non-fiction-paperback","title":"How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner - Non Fiction - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Brand New\u003cbr\u003eFormat: Paperback\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781035018956\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Pan Macmillan\u003cbr\u003eAge Range: Adult\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHow Big Things Get Done is a research-driven guide from Oxford economist Bent Flyvbjerg and bestselling journalist Dan Gardner that explains why so many ambitious projects blow their budgets and deadlines — and what separates the rare successes from the failures. Drawing on a massive dataset of megaprojects, the authors distill years of study into practical, repeatable principles anyone can apply. From home renovations to space missions, the book reframes planning and execution as a learnable skill rather than luck, giving readers a clear, evidence-backed playbook for delivering on ambitious goals with real discipline and foresight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBent Flyvbjerg has spent decades studying why big projects so often fail, building one of the largest databases of megaproject outcomes in the world. Teaming up with journalist Dan Gardner, he translates that research into an accessible narrative packed with vivid case studies, from the triumph of the Sydney Opera House's eventual completion to the disciplined process behind Pixar's blockbuster films, and cautionary tales like London's over-budget Crossrail project. The book's central argument is that most large undertakings fail not from a lack of ambition but from systemic planning errors, overly optimistic forecasting, and rushing into execution before a plan is solid. Flyvbjerg and Gardner counter this with guiding principles: understand your true odds before committing, plan slowly and deliberately before acting fast, think from the end goal backward, break big visions into smaller modular \"Lego\" pieces that can be tested and repeated, and actively hunt for the unknown risks that typically sink schedules and budgets. The tone balances rigorous, peer-reviewed research with highly readable storytelling, approachable for general readers yet substantive for professionals. Whether the project is a kitchen renovation, a startup launch, a public infrastructure program, or a Hollywood production, the framework applies. It has been recognized as a top business book of the year by major outlets and was shortlisted for a leading UK business book award.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvidence-based framework built from one of the largest megaproject databases ever assembled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal-world case studies spanning construction, technology, film, and infrastructure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractical principles for planning, forecasting, and risk management anyone can apply\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecognized as a top business book of the year by leading outlets and award panels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccessible, story-driven writing style that makes complex research easy to digest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUseful for project managers, entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers alike\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Authors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBent Flyvbjerg is a professor at Oxford University's Saïd Business School and one of the world's foremost experts on megaproject planning, risk, and delivery, having built one of the largest databases of project outcomes ever assembled. Dan Gardner is an acclaimed journalist and bestselling author known for translating rigorous research into clear, engaging narrative nonfiction. Together, they combine deep academic expertise with polished storytelling, making complex ideas about planning, forecasting, and project delivery both credible and genuinely readable for a broad audience of managers, students, and curious general readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love This Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePacked with fascinating case studies and clear, actionable principles, this book turns academic research into a genuinely useful playbook for getting things done right. It's a smart gift for the project manager, entrepreneur, or student in your life — perfect for a birthday, a graduation, or building out a thoughtful office or classroom library.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease Note: This is the UK edition with the ISBN as listed; the cover may vary slightly from the image shown.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bent Flyvbjerg","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56825925501302,"sku":"SINGLE-SINGLE-PR-U290094-1035018950","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/6587\/2211\/files\/how-big-things-get-done-bent-flyvbjerg-paperback.jpg?v=1786022564"},{"product_id":"how-big-things-get-done-how-work-works-f-k-work-lets-play-how-to-be-a-complete-and-utter-f-k-up-4-books-collection-set-paperback-bent-flyvbjerg-michelle-p-king-john-spencer-williams-and-steve-mcdermott","title":"Professional Growth Collection by Bent Flyvbjerg and Others 4 Books Collection Set - Non Fiction - Paperback","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitles in This Set:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHow Big Things Get Done [Paperback]\u003cbr\u003e\nHow Work Works [Hardcover]\u003cbr\u003e\nF**k Work, Let's Play [Paperback]\u003cbr\u003e\nHow to be a Complete and Utter F**k Up [Paperback]\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paperback \/ Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eISBN:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9781035018956\/9780063224575\/9781292349367\/9781292342825\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis four-book collection is a curated, high-utility set for anyone pursuing professional growth and meaningful work. Led by Bent Flyvbjerg and companions, the titles blend rigorous analysis with practical guidance to help you envision ambitious projects, navigate workplace dynamics, and transform your career path. The tone is thoughtful and purpose-driven, with a clear bias toward actionable outcomes rather than abstract theory. Whether you’re planning a major initiative, seeking better alignment between your values and daily work, or exploring less conventional routes to earning a living, this book collection offers proven strategies, case-based insight, and a mindset shift geared toward real-world results. It works well on desks, in study routines, or as a thoughtful gift for graduates, managers, and professionals ready to reframe how they work and what they aim to achieve. The set stands out for its combination of megaproject insight and personal-development orientation, making it a practical, uncommon toolkit for today’s ambitious reader. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat This Collection Covers:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAcross these four titles, readers encounter a progression from big-picture project delivery to the subtleties of everyday work life, and finally to bold questions about choosing work that genuinely suits you. How Big Things Get Done digs into what makes megaprojects tick, with emphasis on governance, risk, and reliable execution. How Work Works translates corporate culture into clear, usable guidance for navigating unwritten rules, authentic leadership, and personal meaning in professional settings. F\u003cb\u003ek Work, Let's Play invites a candid rethink of traditional employment, encouraging readers to identify viable paths that fuse passion with practicality. How to be a Complete and Utter F\u003c\/b\u003ek Up offers a counterintuitive, humorous counterpoint—an anti-life-coach approach that reframes failure as a powerful catalyst for growth. Together, they form a complete, pragmatic toolkit for anyone aiming to improve performance, increase resilience, and cultivate a more purposeful career. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBook-by-Book Guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow Big Things Get Done [Paperback]:\u003c\/strong\u003e This volume dissects how massive, complex ventures move from concept to completion. It blends case studies with frameworks that illuminate governance, budgeting, risk management, and decision-making under uncertainty. Readers gain insight into why some megaprojects flourish while others falter, plus practical approaches for aligning stakeholders, sustaining momentum, and delivering outcomes. The book’s tone respects both ambition and realism, offering grounded strategies that can be applied to a wide range of large-scale initiatives, from infrastructure to technology. It is well suited for students, project managers, policy-makers, and professionals who want a clearer map for turning bold visions into durable realities. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow Work Works [Hardcover]:\u003c\/strong\u003e A clear-eyed guide to the hidden rules that shape careers and results in today’s workplaces. It helps readers interpret organizational dynamics, negotiate effectively, and stay true to their authentic selves while pursuing advancement. Expect practical tools for communicating value, building credibility, and cultivating leadership presence in meetings, teams, and cross-functional collaborations. The book emphasizes actionable steps over abstract theory, making it a reliable companion for new graduates entering the job market, mid-career professionals seeking clarity, and managers aiming to sharpen their people skills. Readers finish with a sharper sense of how to align ambition with authentic, sustainable work habits. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eF**k Work, Let's Play [Paperback]:\u003c\/strong\u003e A provocative invitation to rethink the bounds of traditional employment. This title champions pursuing work that feels meaningful and enjoyable, offering strategies to turn passions into viable, fulfilling income. It guides readers through practical pivots—whether launching a side venture, freelancing, or rethinking a career path—to break free from dull routines without sacrificing financial viability. The voice is candid and motivating, encouraging experimentation, learning from missteps, and designing a life where work aligns with personal purpose. Geared toward aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone considering a roots-down shift, it provides a realistic blueprint for turning play into one’s work. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to be a Complete and Utter F**k Up [Paperback]:\u003c\/strong\u003e A tongue-in-cheek, anti-life-coach exploration that flips conventional wisdom on its head. Rather than prescribing a flawless path, it embraces mistakes as essential to growth and resilience. The book reframes failure as feedback, offering humorous refrains and practical insights that help readers rebuild after setbacks, rethink priorities, and experiment with new directions. It serves as a refreshing counterpoint to over-polished success narratives, encouraging readers to cultivate curiosity, risk tolerance, and adaptability. Perfect for readers who enjoy irreverent humor paired with genuine lessons about courage, learning, and ongoing self-improvement. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho This Set Is Perfect For:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis collection is ideal for professionals at any stage who want to rethink how they approach work, career development, and long-term goals. It suits graduates stepping into their first roles, mid-career professionals seeking pivots, and leaders building teams that deliver big results without sacrificing authenticity. It also makes a bold gift for book clubs focused on career growth, MBA and leadership courses, or colleagues looking for practical strategies to apply in the workplace. Fans of thought-provoking non-fiction and readers who enjoy blunt, insightful guides will appreciate the mix of rigorous analysis and accessible, actionable guidance across these four titles. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Benefits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eBook collection designed for comprehensive professional growth\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIncludes both paperback and hardcover formats for flexible reading preferences\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePractical frameworks and real-world case studies for big projects and everyday work\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eEncourages authentic leadership and purposeful career choices\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eGives readers permission to rethink traditional employment paths\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eValuable for graduates, managers, and self-starters assembling a personal development library\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBent Flyvbjerg is a leading scholar in megaproject management and governance. He co-authors How Big Things Get Done, drawing on extensive research into why large projects succeed or fail and how decisions shape outcomes. This collection benefits from his rigorous, evidence-based approach to strategy, risk, and implementation, helping readers translate big ideas into concrete results. The remaining titles feature contributors who complement Flyvbjerg’s emphasis on clarity, practicality, and real-world applicability, creating a well-rounded set that speaks to professional growth from multiple angles. Together, the authors provide a coherent voice about navigating work, managing complexity, and turning ambition into tangible achievement. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You’ll Love This Set:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIf you’re seeking a complete series to deepen your understanding of how work functions at both macro and micro levels, this collection delivers. The blend of project-management insights with personal development perspectives offers a unique, credible pathway to career clarity, better decision-making, and resilient performance. It makes an excellent upgrade for your professional library or a thoughtful gift for graduates and colleagues pursuing growth, balance, and impact in their daily work.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bent Flyvbjerg","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56889991266678,"sku":"MAN-VRT-U290750-9789124350758","price":35.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/6587\/2211\/files\/61ZYhWdw_6L_72d87200-e6da-4da4-95db-a189f8fee695.jpg?v=1765812918"}],"url":"https:\/\/skymartbooks.com\/collections\/bent-flyvbjerg.oembed","provider":"Skymart Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}