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Knowledge Base Repository

In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.

Project complexity and cost escalations in the early design of railway megaprojects

Persson Schön, Per (1,2); Eckert, Claudia (3); Mallalieu, Adam (1); Bergsjö, Dag (1)

Type:
Papers
DS 145: Proceedings of the DESIGN2026 19th International Design Conference
Year:
2026
Editor:
Štorga, M.; Škec, S.; Martinec, T.; Marjanović, D.; Pavković, N.
Author:
Persson Schön, Per (1,2); Eckert, Claudia (3); Mallalieu, Adam (1); Bergsjö, Dag (1)
Series:
DESIGN
Institution:
1: Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden; 2: Swedish Transport Administration, Sweden; 3: The Open University, United Kingdom
Page(s):
2841-2850
DOI number:
10.1017/pds.2026.10642
ISSN:
2732-527X (Online)
Abstract:
Large railway projects suffer from major cost overruns and delays, partly due to project complexity. This study explores how such complexity emerges in the early design stages and affects the project outcomes. Data from 14 interviews were compared with four project complexity frameworks. The results indicate that complexity is mainly institutional rather than structural. Optimism bias, fragmented requirement governance, and weak coordination create self-reinforcing loops of cost growth, showing that governance and decision processes, not technical uncertainty, drive early-stage complexity.
Keywords:
early design phase, complexity, cost escalation, railway megaprojects
DESIGN2026 - The 19th International Design Conference
Conferences

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