Publications
Independent Project Analysis (IPA), as a leader in project management research, periodically is asked to publish studies in journals and conference proceedings. Below is a sample of some of the research findings we have published. The articles are based on IPA’s detailed quantitative approach linking project practices to project outcomes. These are available to download as PDF files and they require 
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IPA’s Publications
The approach to executing capital projects has changed significantly over the last 25 years as companies have downsized. This article summarizes how owners can leverage ever-scarcer resources to implement a set of practices that result in better project performance. The stake is significant. Project systems effectively using these practices have been shown to add 7.5 return on investment (ROI) points to their capital effectiveness. However, systems that do not use the practices can subtract as much as 6 ROI points.
European chemical companies face challenges in effective use of their capital. This paper discusses how better project definition improves cost performance in the chemical industry and describes the use of this practice among European chemical organizations.
Turnarounds, or shutting down a facility for maintenance and improvements, often experience schedule slips and cost overruns. The average cost of a 1-day delay because of lost production is $200,000. This paper presents learnings on how to prevent turnaround delays and how to improve costs.
More than half of projects in the billion-dollar-plus class perform poorly and have high costs and long schedules. These complex and difficult projects require an increased level of attention than their smaller and less complex counterparts. This paper summarizes the approaches to better managing risks and the tactics required by these projects.
Controlling Project Costs (Subscription Required)
By implementing good control, project costs can be lowered by as much as 30 percent. This paper presents the essential elements of a project control strategy.
IPA’s Research Studies
IPA has conducted over 300 research studies aimed at raising the level of understanding of the drivers of project success. The studies are quantitatively based, linking capital project performance with a set of practices. This data has been collected over a period of twenty years and remains active, as IPA explores the most current issues affecting capital investment. These studies can be structured to address the concerns of a single organization or a consortium of companies. The focus is on practices that can be used early and during the capital investment process. By changing these practices, project outcomes and, therefore, capital effectiveness can be improved.