Dynamically complex rail projects-a systems engineering view

Large infrastructure rail projects are multidisciplinary with many different types of interfaces between the different project areas. This makes the project dynamically complex. The consistent high-risk areas of large projects are its interfaces, particularly those between contracts. The interface managers have to be the more senior and experienced managers in the project team. The principles of systems engineering adapted for the rail industry provide an effective means of de-risking large dynamically complex projects. This paper discusses the particular benefits achieved by: scope control through requirements management; interface management; knowledge of all the project requirements.