Decision making process for construction projects

Typically, the client will be the ultimate decision maker on construction

projects, as they will generally have instigated and will be paying for
the project and are likely to have a long-term interest in it after
the design and construction process has been completed.
However, the client is rarely a single person, even on relatively
small projects and the client organisation is likely include a number of
groups or individuals with an interest in, responsibility for or control over
the project.

Depending on the complexity and size of the project, and whether

the client is in the public or private sector, the levels of decision
makers within the client organisation might be structured as follows:

1. Main board of directors / Investment decision maker

2. Project director / Senior responsible owner
3. Board representative / Project sponsor
4. Project board.
5. User panels.
6. Champions.
7. Project managers
However, there may be other parties with an interest in the project that
may be involved in the decision-making process. This might include:
Funders and shareholders.
Insurers.
The local authority.
Other statutory authorities and non-statutory consultees.
The emergency services.
User groups.

Typically the decision making process itself will involve passing through a
number of key decision points, or gateways, at which the client assesses the
state of development of the project and considers; whether it satisfies their
strategic objectives, that it is affordable, that value is being delivered, and
that risks are acceptable. They can then decide whether to progress to the
next stage.
Allowing the client to make decision about whether to proceed at gateways requires
the preparation and submission of relevant information by the consultant
team, contractors and other suppliers. Decisions may also involve
expert assessment and advice from client representatives, independent client
advisers, project managers, or even external bodies (such as external design
reviews).