The Giza Pyramid : learning from this megaproject

Procter, CT; Kozak-Holland, MP

Abstract

Purpose: This paper demonstrates the contemporary relevance of the management of the Great Pyramid of Giza project.

Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses evidence from the literature from many disciplines concerning both the objectives and construction of the pyramid. It relates this to recent discussion concerned with the issues faced in megaproject management which are core to discussion of success and failure.

Findings: The analysis shows the significance of the "break-fix model" of megaproject management and how having a sequence of megaprojects builds management through a learning process. It demonstrates the significance of innovation arising from the experience of previous projects in solving major technical challenges and illustrates the importance of the organisation and ethical management of a substantial workforce.

Research & practical limitations/implications: There is very limited reliable documentary evidence from the time of the construction of Giza (c 2560 BCE). Many sources concerning ancient Egypt are still widely contested. However, the use of research from a combination of disciplines demonstrates the relevance of the project and the importance of
learning from history to contemporary project management.

Originality/value:
We believe this is the first paper to analyse the Giza pyramid project from a project management
perspective. This was arguably the most significant construction project of ancient history, and the
paper explains the lessons which can be learnt which are very significant to today’s megaprojects.

Keywords: Project management history, megaproject, case study, “break-fix model" of megaproject management, Giza pyramid project.

Citation

Procter, C., & Kozak-Holland, M. (2019). The Giza Pyramid : learning from this megaproject. Journal of Management History, 25(3), 364-383. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMH-11-2018-0061

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 30, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Jun 15, 2019
• Publication Date: Oct 11, 2019
• Deposit Date: May 1, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 19, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Management History
• Print ISSN: 1751-1348
• Publisher: Emerald
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 364-383
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JMH-11-2018-0061
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/JMH-11-2018-0061
• Related Public URLs: https://www.emeraldinsight.com/journal/jmh