How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner - Non Fiction - Paperback

Details
Condition: Brand New
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781035018956
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Age Range: Adult

Overview
How 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.

About the Book
Bent 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.

Key Benefits

• Evidence-based framework built from one of the largest megaproject databases ever assembled
• Real-world case studies spanning construction, technology, film, and infrastructure
• Practical principles for planning, forecasting, and risk management anyone can apply
• Recognized as a top business book of the year by leading outlets and award panels
• Accessible, story-driven writing style that makes complex research easy to digest
• Useful for project managers, entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers alike

About the Authors
Bent 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.

Why You'll Love This Book
Packed 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.

Please Note: This is the UK edition with the ISBN as listed; the cover may vary slightly from the image shown.