2. Preparation

Since public works companies consider several projects before deciding on one, the organization of a given project is not finalized when the company submits its bid. However, the potential future project manager is usually known. It is only when the company knows that it will be awarded the project that preparations actually begin.

• A public works project must be carefully prepared to avoid any improvisation that could jeopardize its success. The preparation period for the project must be long enough to allow for its finalization. The political and administrative gestation period for a public works project can sometimes take several decades: it would be paradoxical to have only a short time to prepare for it.

  Project owners who allow little time for preparation cannot expect their construction sites to be well organized....