Project Definition Rating Index Tool for Infrastructure Projects (Best Practice)

Previous CII research has found that tools for measuring project scope definition and facilitating alignment between project participants are essential to a good front end planning process; and that the greater and more effective the front end planning effort, the greater the chance for project success. While this earlier research addressed front end planning (FEP) for industrial and building projects, it did not focus on infrastructure work directly, and little research has been performed in the area of FEP for infrastructure projects.

The Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) for Infrastructure Projects is similar and complementary to two other popular CII front end planning tools, PDRI–Buildings and PDRI–Industrial. PDRI for Infrastructure Projects is an early diagnostic tool that can identify obstructions, bottlenecks, and misalignments that could hinder the efficient transfer of resources to industrial facilities and buildings. As with cardiac health, early detection of problems will lead to closer-to-optimal solutions at lower relative costs. Thus PDRI–Infrastructure Projects:

• Is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that offers a method to measure project scope definition for completeness
• Identifies and precisely describes each critical element in a scope definition package
• Also allows the project team to quickly identify project risk factors related to the desired outcomes for cost, schedule, and operating performance
• Is designed to evaluate the completeness of scope definition at any point prior to detailed design and construction
• Using the PDRI method, project teams can capture mitigation action items as well

For the planning of inter-jurisdictional infrastructure projects, the PDRI is valuable as it prompts the owner and design team to conduct an early validation of their business and design assumptions against the will of the public and jurisdictional requirements. This assessment should be undertaken early and then – prior to proceeding with detailed scope development – it should be confirmed in hearings and meetings with the public and with the jurisdictions of stakeholders. Research has shown that the PDRI–Infrastructure can effectively be used to improve the predictability of project performance. However, the PDRI–Infrastructure alone will not ensure successful projects. When combined with sound business planning, team alignment, and good project execution, it can greatly improve the probability of meeting or exceeding project objectives. Note: This research includes SP268-3, which outlines the findings and lessons learned from over the past 20 years of CII research on the importance of front end planning for design, construction, and operation and maintenance.