PhD Defence by Jackson Sekasi

The dissertation examines why transport infrastructure megaprojects frequently underperform, with cost overruns and delays, despite advanced estimation and management tools. Focusing on railway megaprojects, it analyses how governance structures, contracts, estimation methods, and organisational culture interact across the project lifecycle to influence overall performance.

Based on comparative case studies of three international high-speed rail projects, the research shows that estimation accuracy depends not only on technical methods but also on the integration of control mechanisms, governance, and contractual incentives. It highlights the role of design-build contracts under supportive institutional conditions and identifies culture as a key driver of coordination and decision-making.

The dissertation introduces new theoretical and practical frameworks, including an integrated model of governance, contracts, and culture, as well as a perspective on institutional complexity. Overall, it provides actionable insights for improving performance in complex transport infrastructure megaprojects.

Principal Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Steven Harrod, DTU

Co-Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Victor Andrade, DTU

Chairperson at Defence: Assoc. Prof. Rodrigo Salvador, DTU

Examiners:
Assoc. Prof. Christian Thuesen, DTU (Chair)
Professor Anders Peterson, Linköping University
Assoc. Prof. Per Svejvig, Aarhus University

Follow the defence online using this link: https://dtudk.zoom.us/j/62338054447?pwd=PsujlxHbaYnqIaUlZ6vhc72ozhjxxQ.1