In this paper, I will present a study of the Istanbul Airport program to clarify the dimensions of this problem, which is considered a common problem at the level of this type of project worldwide, and which has serious repercussions if the management team fails to manage it properly, leading to delay and cost overrun. The Istanbul Airport project is a very ambitious and complex building endeavor, ranking among the most challenging and intricate undertakings globally. The airport has been constructed at a staggering cost above €20 billion, with the intention of becoming the most heavily trafficked airport globally, capable of accommodating up to 200 million people annually. Nevertheless, the project has been hindered by delays and cost overruns, which have been partially ascribed to the project's complex nature. (Koseoglu, 2018)

1. Student ID: 2265386
Master of Science in Project Management
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Master of Science in Project Management program
Assignment 1 - 011 Element (2023 MOD003280 TRI1 D01NON).
Module Name: Project Management Techniques
Module Code: (2023 MOD003280 TRI1 D01NON)
Module Tutor: Gopal Gomathi Nayagam
Student Name: Mohamed Fawzy Mohamed Farag Shabana
Student ID: 2265386
Words count :( 1968 Excluding Cover page, References, and Table of contents)

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Master of Science in Project Management
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Table of Contents
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................3
Case Study.................................................................................................................................................3
Problem Identification...............................................................................................................................3
The complexity of the Istanbul Airport project .......................................................................................4
Unparalleled magnitude:....................................................................................................................4
2. Challenges related to the structure and design:...............................................................................5
3. Multi-Phase Development: .............................................................................................................5
4. Stakeholder Management: .............................................................................................................5
5. Environmental Factors:...................................................................................................................5
6. Geopolitical Context:......................................................................................................................6
Innovative management techniques; the combination of BIM and lean construction principles. .................6
The Rationale of Innovative Management Techniques Choice.................................................................6
Role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) ........................................................................................7
Role of Lean Construction Management.................................................................................................8
Lean construction and BIM improve project management. .....................................................................8
Challenges to implementing Lean BIM....................................................................................................9
The advantages of Lean BIM ..................................................................................................................9
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................9
References...............................................................................................................................................11

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Master of Science in Project Management
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Introduction
A program is a collection of interconnected projects, subsidiary programs, and activities that are managed in a
coordinated manner to provide benefits that cannot be obtained by managing them separately. Effective
management of these components improves the delivery of benefits. The proficiency needed for a program
manager is heavily influenced by the skills needed to handle the complexity, vagueness, unpredictability, and
alteration involved with the results or surroundings of a program. Programs or Megaprojects are often
characterized by their extensive size, complex nature, extended duration, and ability to accommodate
ambiguity in their definition. (PMI, 2017)
Case Study
In this paper, I will present a study of the Istanbul Airport program to clarify the dimensions of this problem,
which is considered a common problem at the level of this type of project worldwide, and which has serious
repercussions if the management team fails to manage it properly, leading to delay and cost overrun. The
Istanbul Airport project is a very ambitious and complex building endeavor, ranking among the most
challenging and intricate undertakings globally. The airport has been constructed at a staggering cost above
€20 billion, with the intention of becoming the most heavily trafficked airport globally, capable of
accommodating up to 200 million people annually. Nevertheless, the project has been hindered by delays and
cost overruns, which have been partially ascribed to the project's complexity nature. (Koseoglu, 2018)
Problem Identification
Megaprojects provide a significant challenge for managers due to their complex nature, necessitating the use
of state-of-the-art engineering and construction methods. These projects are extensive and complex
endeavors that need state-of-the-art engineering and construction methodologies. The primary contributors
to complexity encompass the extensive magnitude, protracted duration, multitude of technological fields,

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Master of Science in Project Management
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multitude of participants, multinational nature, stakeholder interests, sponsor involvement, escalating costs
over time, country risk, uncertainty, and heightened levels of public attention or political interest.
Megaprojects complexity is a common problem, and it arises from various factors, including governance,
stakeholder needs, defining the future state, benefits delivery, interdependencies, resources, scope, change,
and risk. Governance complexity involves sponsor support, management structures, and decision-making
processes. Stakeholder complexity arises from differences in needs and influence, conflicts with program
benefits, and diversity within the program team. (Kardes, 2013)
Definition complexity involves aligning stakeholder interests and managing change, while benefits delivery
complexity focuses on program benefits. Interdependency complexity reinforces interdependencies within the
program and related projects. Resource complexity addresses capability, funding, and material concerns. Scope
complexity defines deliverables and benefits beyond the program's lifespan. Change complexity measures the
impact of changes, while risk complexity arises from extended life cycles and uncertainty. (Institute, 2014)
The complexity of the Istanbul Airport project
The Istanbul Airport, formally referred to as the Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA), is an impressive feat of
contemporary engineering and construction. Due to its immense scale and ambitious nature, this project ranks
among the most complex endeavors ever pursued. The complexity stems from several variables,
encompassing:
Unparalleled magnitude:
The largest airport project in the world: Upon completion, the IGA project is designed to include six runways
and four terminals and can accommodate a staggering 200 million people per year. This makes it much bigger
than any currently existing airport worldwide. (Özbay, 2021)

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Master of Science in Project Management
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2. Challenges related to the structure and design:
The terminal building has a distinctive undulating form for its 1.5-kilometer-long roof, which is constructed
using steel and glass. Specialized engineering was necessary to maintain both the structural integrity and
aesthetic appeal of this. Curved façade: The terminal buildings feature large glass facades with intricate curves,
necessitating sophisticated methods for manufacturing and installation. (Çelikel, 2020)
3. Multi-Phase Development:
The project is undergoing development in four distinct stages, each presenting its unique problems and
complications. This necessitates meticulous strategizing and synchronization to guarantee seamless
implementation at all stages. Seamless integration with the current transportation infrastructure is required
for the airport, including roadways, railroads, and metro lines. (İLHAN, 2020)
4. Stakeholder Management:
Abundance of stakeholders: The IGA project encompasses a multitude of stakeholders, such as government
agencies, airlines, construction firms, suppliers, and local communities. Effectively overseeing their varied
interests and keeping transparent communication is a considerable challenge. Global collaboration: The
project entails cooperation between multinational and domestic enterprises, needing meticulous attention to
cultural disparities and communication methodologies. (Salet, 2013)
5. Environmental Factors:
Sustainability objectives: The initiative aims to achieve ambitious sustainability targets, such as decreasing
energy use and trash output. Attaining these objectives introduces an additional level of intricacy to the design
and building procedure. Environmental effect mitigation: The project has employed many strategies to reduce
its environmental impact, including safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems and decreasing noise pollution.
(Karacor, 2015)

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Master of Science in Project Management
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6. Geopolitical Context:
The airport is situated in an area that experiences frequent seismic activity, needing the implementation of
specific design measures to ensure its resilience against earthquakes.
Political and economic uncertainties: The project has met a range of unpredictable and volatile factors related
to politics and the economy, needing a management strategy that is agile and adaptive. Notwithstanding its
complexity, the Istanbul Airport project is advancing satisfactorily and is poised to appear as a significant
international transportation center. The insights gained from this project will be of immense use for future
global building endeavors of significant size. (Kahraman, 2018)
The Istanbul Airport project is a complex undertaking with many interconnected challenges, including large
size, structural and design obstacles, stakeholder management, environmental considerations, and geopolitical
issues. To overcome these hurdles, meticulous planning, collaboration, risk management, waste monitoring,
and execution is crucial. Traditional management approaches cannot address these challenges. The study will
explore how combining BIM and lean construction principles contributes to the project's success and
dismantling complexities. (Bråthen, 2016)
Innovative management techniques; the combination of BIM and lean construction
principles.
The Rationale of Innovative Management Techniques Choice
The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Lean Construction provides a powerful
collaboration that addresses the challenges faced in large-scale projects like Istanbul Airport. BIM's holistic
digital depiction of a project and Lean Construction's principles of waste reduction and continual improvement
work together to improve collaborative working practices, streamline workflows, and enhance stakeholder
management. This integration also helps manage the complex nature of multi-phase projects, addresses

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Master of Science in Project Management
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environmental concerns, and fosters knowledge acquisition and creativity throughout the project duration.
Overall, the combination of BIM and Lean Construction offers an effective method for improving efficiency,
reducing risks, and achieving successful results in large-scale projects.
The utilization of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Lean Construction Management efficiently handled
this complexity, leading to a triumphant project. BIM facilitated cooperation and information management,
while Lean building Management optimized the building process, minimizing inefficiencies and increasing
value. The effective use of these techniques in the Istanbul Airport Project provides significant insights for the
management of complex mega projects in subsequent endeavors.
Role of Building Information Modelling (BIM)
BIM was crucial in handling the complex nature of the Istanbul Airport Project. BIM refers to a technologically
driven approach that involves creating and overseeing digital models of a facility's physical and functional
attributes (Eastman, 2011)The utilization of this tool enabled the project team to visually comprehend the
whole of the airport, assess various design choices, and anticipate probable obstacles before their
manifestation.
BIM has enhanced cooperation among the many stakeholders by offering a single platform for exchanging
information ( (Succar, 2009)). The project team was able to effectively handle and organize the vast quantity
of information produced during the project, which was essential due to the project's intricate nature.
In addition, BIM allowed the project team to replicate several situations, such as the movement of passengers
and the processing of luggage, therefore allowing them to enhance the design for improved operational
effectiveness and customer satisfaction (Kymmell, 2008). BIM facilitated the team's ability to simulate and
evaluate the airport's structural soundness and ecological consequences, effectively tackling the geographical
and environmental obstacles associated with the project location.

8. Student ID: 2265386
Master of Science in Project Management
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Role of Lean Construction Management
The use of Lean Construction Management was important in the effective execution of the Istanbul Airport
Project. Lean Construction Management is the practice of applying lean thinking ideas to the construction
industry to reduce waste and maximize value (Koskela, 1992).
The Istanbul Airport Project used Lean building Management techniques to optimize the building process,
resulting in substantial reductions in both time and cost. These techniques included the utilization of the Last
Planner System, which enhanced the dependability of workflow and diminished the duration of building
(Ballard, 2000)
The Lean Construction methodology prioritizes cooperation and continual improvement, cultivating a culture
of learning and innovation within the project team. The team's ability to swiftly adjust to modifications and
successfully resolve issues enabled them to proficiently handle the project's complexity.
Lean construction and BIM improve project management.
The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in conjunction with lean construction principles has the
potential to greatly enhance project management in the construction industry. The integration of these two
methodologies allows for the realization of lean construction principles, resulting in improved project quality,
reduced risks, cost and time savings, better scope management, enhanced human resources and
communication, streamlined procurement, and improved stakeholder management. (Bråthen, 2016)
BIM not only enables the visualization of building design and construction processes but also can analyze the
environmental sustainability of projects. This can lead to the creation of more efficient and environmentally
friendly buildings throughout their entire lifespan. The combination of Lean and BIM practices can also lead to
improved commercial efficiency within the construction sector. By optimizing communication, eliminating

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Master of Science in Project Management
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inefficiencies, and enhancing project efficiency, project managers can achieve better outcomes and increase
profitability. (Eldeep, 2022)
Challenges to implementing Lean BIM
However, there are challenges to implementing Lean BIM, including the need for competent construction
leadership, tailored contracting procedures, fostering a collaborative mentality, and addressing obstacles such
as a lack of advanced construction ideas, skilled labor shortages, inadequate legal frameworks, limited
knowledge of Lean BIM advantages, substantial IT infrastructure investments, and a lack of legislative support.
To successfully implement Lean BIM, it is important to have competent leadership, tailored contracting
procedures, a collaborative mindset, and active participation in planning and improvement efforts. Despite the
challenges, the benefits of integrating Lean and BIM in construction project management make it a worthwhile
endeavor for the industry. (Eroshkin, 2016)
The advantages of Lean BIM
Overall, the integration of Lean and BIM methodologies is essential for effectively addressing the challenges
faced by the construction industry in project management. The advantages of Lean BIM include a client-centric
approach, streamlined processes, efficient problem-solving, value creation, visualization of design and
construction processes, expedited information management and communication, time and cost savings, waste
minimization, stress alleviation, adherence to project deadlines, increased profitability, enhanced capabilities,
staff satisfaction, and improved business reputation. (Koseoglu, 2018)
Conclusion
The Istanbul Airport project is a complex endeavor that requires effective management strategies to overcome
its challenges. The project's complexity arises from its vast size, structural and design obstacles, multi-phase

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Master of Science in Project Management
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development, stakeholder management, environmental considerations, and geopolitical issues. To address
these challenges, the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Lean Construction principles is
utilized. BIM provides a digital depiction of the project, facilitating collaboration, information management,
and obstacle anticipation. Lean Construction principles focus on waste reduction and continual improvement,
optimizing the building process and enhancing efficiency. The combination of BIM and Lean Construction offers
an effective method for improving efficiency, reducing risks, and achieving successful results in large-scale
projects like Istanbul Airport. These innovative management techniques contribute to the successful
management of the project and help dismantle its complexities throughout its lifecycle. The use of BIM
enhances cooperation among stakeholders, allows for the simulation and evaluation of various scenarios, and
facilitates the management of information. Lean Construction principles optimize the building process,
improve workflow reliability, and foster a culture of learning and innovation. Overall, the integration of BIM
and Lean Construction in the Istanbul Airport project provides valuable insights for the management of
complex mega projects in the future.

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References
Ballard, G., 2000. The Last Planner System of production control.. Birmingham.: University of Birmingham..
Bråthen, K., 2016. Combining BIM and Lean Construction: Towards Enhanced Collaborative Working?. Fafo &
Norwegian, University of Science and Technology.
Çelikel, A., 2020. A smart guide for BIM enabled construction project management and delivery: Istanbul
airport case study (Master's thesis, Hasan Kalyoncu Üniversitesi, Şahinbey/Gaziantep: Kalyoncu Üniversitesi.
Eastman, C. M. T. P. S. R. &. L. K., 2011. BIM handbook: A guide to building information modeling for owners,
managers, designers, engineers, and contractors.. s.l.:John Wiley & Sons..
Eldeep, A. F. M. a. A. E.-h. L., 2022. Using BIM as a lean management tool in construction processes–A case
study.. Ain Shams Engineering Journal,, 13(2), p. p.101556..
Eroshkin, S. K. G. a. P. L., 2016. Lean construction and BIM: complementing each other for better project
management.. Review of business and economics studies,, Volume 4, pp. 17-22.
İLHAN, A. a. G. G., 2020. Analysis of Mega Transportation Projects in Istanbul and Identification of Priority
Response Areas and Planning Parameters.. Online Journal of Art & Design, 8(2), pp. 1-19.
Institute, P. M., 2014. Navigating complexity : a practice guide / Project Management Institute. Fourth ed.
Pennsylvania: Project Management Institute.
Kahraman, C. a. A. G., 2018. Istanbul’s third airport in terms of transportation geography: geopolitics, regional
and economic effects. People: International Journal, 3(3), pp. 1252 -1261..
Karacor, E. a. K. D., 2015. Projected environmental effects of the third airport in Istanbul.. Journal of Food,
Agriculture & Environment,, 13(2), pp. pp.223-227..

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Kardes, I. O. A. C. S. a. C. E., 2013. Managing global megaprojects: Complexity and risk management.
International business review, 22(6), pp. pp.905-917..
Koseoglu, O. S. M. a. A. Y., 2018. Exploring the BIM and lean synergies in the Istanbul Grand Airport construction
project. Engineering. Construction and Architectural Management, 25(10), pp. pp.1339-1354..
Koskela, L., 1992. Application of the new production philosophy to construction. (Vol. 72, p. 39) ed. Stanford:
Stanford university..
Kymmell, W., 2008. Risk and decision-making in construction and infrastructure: A critical review.. Journal of
Construction Engineering and Management,, 134(9), pp. 698-708..
Özbay, İ. a. G. N., 2021. Towards zero-waste airports: a case study of Istanbul Airport.. Journal of Material Cycles
and Waste Management, Volume 24, p. pages134–142.
PMI, 2017. The Standard for Program Management. Pennsylvania: Project Management Institute.
Salet, W. B. L. a. G. M., 2013. Complexity and uncertainty: problem or asset in decision making of mega
infrastructure projects?. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 37(6), pp. pp.1984-2000..
Succar, B., 2009. Building information modelling framework: A research and delivery foundation for industry
stakeholders.. Automation in Construction, 18(3), pp. 357-375..