
Giorgio LocatelliPolitecnico di Milano | Polimi · School of Management
Giorgio Locatelli
BEng & MSc Mechanical Eng, PhD Economics and Management, CEng, FHEA
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264
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Introduction
Additional affiliations
September 2015 - present
April 2012 - August 2015
Publications
Publications (264)
Despite the relevance of corruption in project selection, planning and delivery, the project management literature pays little attention to this crucial phenomenon. This paper sets the background to foster the discussion concerning how to select, plan and deliver infrastructure in corrupt project contexts. It presents the different types of corrupt...
Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) have been historically deployed to cover the base-load of the electricity demand. Nowadays some NPPs might perform daily load cycling operation (i.e. load following) between 50% and 100% of their rated power. With respect to the insertion of control rods or comparable action to reduce the nuclear power generation, a more...
Policymakers and academics are increasingly discussing the need for innovation in the energy sector to support the societal transition toward net-zero. To this end, mobilizing finance for novel energy technologies is a significant challenge. Remarkably, the scientific literature about the financing mechanisms for novel energy technologies often neg...
Megaprojects can foster modernization and enhance social and economic development but also perpetuate poverty and deprivation. This dark legacy is fostered by weak governmental structures, where local communities lack representation and social welfare is sacrificed for economic gain. Through a normative stakeholder theory and social value perspecti...
Purpose
Megaprojects provide an ideal context for exploring the dynamic characteristics of stakeholders within a collaborative innovation system. This research aims to examine the changes in stakeholder salience and functional roles during the evolution of such a system.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is empirically grounded on the Hong Ko...
The world is beset by grand challenges, those messy, multi-stakeholder, value-laden, complex, wicked, and constantly evolving problems like climate change, unsustainable development, economic inequality, and global pandemics. While these grand challenges call for projects to translate policies into actions, these projects tend to fall short of thei...
Projects are essential for the net-zero transition, yet the project studies literature largely ignores net-zero transition and net-zero projects. We argue that projects are vectors of change enabling the transition toward net-zero sociotechnical systems. Leveraging a systematic literature review, we identify four types of net-zero projects: (1) new...
Modern slavery is an illegal and unethical phenomenon affecting more than 40 million victims worldwide, with many of them employed in construction. This article aims to investigate why modern slavery continues to exist on construction sites managed by companies that have pledged to fight it. Primary data were collected using semistructured intervie...
We reflect on AI's implications for management and organization research. Advanced language models like ChatGPT can analyze large datasets and generate human-like text, potentially disrupting academic research and knowledge production. While potentially helpful, the technology evokes concerns about, for example, inaccuracies and accountability, ina...
Purpose
Megaprojects can play a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackling Global Challenges. However, they are often criticized for their massive resource consumption, poor cost/time performance and significant social-environmental impacts, including irreversible environmental damage. This study aims to chart the e...
New industrial dynamics are disrupting the space sector. Satellite infrastructure must be valuable for a wider set of end users, asking for economic returns and social and environmental benefits. This chapter aims to unveil the end users’ value perception of satellite infrastructure in the “new space” economy ecosystem. The authors contextualise th...
The first overarching objective of the Space Agenda 2030 is to strengthen the role of the space sector as a major driver of sustainable development. To achieve this objective, the European Space Agency launched already 10+ years ago the ESA Business Applications Programme to foster the adoption of space technologies in non-space sectors, promoting...
With the support of the Project Management Institute (PMI), we are excited to launch the PMJ College, a global, cross-journal initiative to nurture future leading academics in project studies. The initiative is important now, as academia struggles to attract and retain talent, yet really needs academics. Society requires good projects and project m...
Engagement is fundamental for organizations in complex projects' ecologies (e.g., space, nuclear, telecommunication) to enact value for their end-users. However, the existing knowledge on this empirical subject has two significant shortcomings. First, while the narrative about project value suffices to explain how a project enacts value for its sta...
Desk rejections of artificial intelligence (AI)–related submissions to the Project Management Journal ® (PMJ) are high. This article provides an overview and state-of-the-art snapshot on academic and practitioner work to derive at potential future research topics and guidelines on the execution and reporting of AI-related studies in project managem...
In a world facing grand challenges, companies urge to create and claim social value. This paper explains how organisations can achieve this by joining the governance of science-driven capital projects. The research addresses two significant gaps: the limited academic understanding of how science-driven capital projects create social value and the e...
Purpose
During the planning and delivery, iron triangle criteria, are essential for internal stakeholders (e.g. owner, sponsors and delivery company), mostly ignoring external stakeholders such as local communities (often perceived as inconvenient) or end users. In the medium-long term, infrastructure cost and benefit are far more important for ext...
Modularity is a design concept fostering flexibility, changeability, and cost-effectiveness in complex product systems (e.g., airliners, oil & gas plants, nuclear power plants). Yet, in the context of satellite systems, modularity is far less leveraged, though the literature emphasizes several potential advantages. In the New Space Economy, explori...
This chapter discusses the evolution of space programs governance from the “Old Space” paradigm to the “New Space” one. For both paradigms, we discuss archetypical governance models, rationale, pros and cons. Ultimately, we explain the driving forces underpinning the evolution of program governance models. We show three governance archetypes. Tradi...
The pressure to complete Infrastructure Megaprojects (IMs) is enormous; once started, IMs are commonly considered too costly to be stopped. Still, despite this widespread belief, several IMs are terminated during delivery/construction. Notwithstanding its empirical and theoretical relevance, few studies investigate IMs termination during delivery/c...
his study investigates how construction companies’ Codes of Ethics (CoEs) address anti-corruption. This is the first research of its kind to leverage a thematic analysis of the CoEs of the world’s largest construction companies. Our findings indicate there are still controversial areas in construction companies’ CoEs related to anti-corruption, spe...
The energy infrastructure literature focuses on the economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability, neglecting the social dimension. Particularly obscure is how the programme governance frameworks of energy projects and programmes shape their social performance. We address this gap in knowledge by leveraging a cross-case analysis of compar...
This report introduces an anticorruption toolkit aimed at project-based organizations (PBOs) to effectively implement and monitor anticorruption measures. Developed through empirical research on the codes of conduct (CoCs) of leading construction companies worldwide and the effectiveness of anticorruption measures. The primary objective of this too...
Driven from investments toward net zero transition global interest in fusion energy is growing. This policy perspective addresses challenges for its commercialization, given the potentially long timeframe to deployment and competing/complementary technologies. We focus on magnetically confined fusion power, specifically tokamaks, as the route to co...
New industrial dynamics are disrupting the space sector. New stakeholders bringing in capital, technologies, and knowledge from other industries are developing next-generation space infrastructures and services. Both commercial and institutional space projects have to be valuable for a wider set of end-users, asking not only for economic returns bu...
Purpose
Transport megaprojects often struggle to offer social value (SV) that meets local communities' needs. This problem is embedded in how local communities' views are captured and incorporated into SV plans through local community engagement (LCE). By problematising the literature, this article aims to identify LCE issues and their impacts on S...
Project management research has evolved over the past five decades and is now a mature disciplinary field investigating phenomena of interest to academics, practitioners and policymakers. Studies of projects and project management practices are theoretically rich and scientifically rigorous. They are practically relevant and impactful when addressi...
It is estimated that 40.3 million individuals are victims of modern slavery, including those exploited in projects. In project studies, there are growing research streams on topics, such as ethics, sustainability and fairness, yet modern slavery is vastly ignored. This article presents a systematic literature review on modern slavery. After summari...
This paper deals with the engagement of stakeholders in the context of the New Space Economy. The research provides a framework for upstream, downstream and end-users stakeholders to engage in the New Space Economy ecosystem.
Smart grids can deliver low-carbon electricity to communities by integrating high penetrations of intermittent and non-dispatchable power. Large-scale energy storage systems can support smart grids by helping to balance energy supply with demand. Several energy storage technologies already exist, and others are currently in research and development...
Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources - Policy brief - Link to the policy brief:
https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/ca134fed-3c95-42d1-bf19-decdd72df6d1/CSER_PB01_NETZERO_ASEAN_Need_SMR-9a6d00f.pdf
In the New Space Economy, the value exchanged for developing new infrastructure (e.g., a satellite constellation) cannot be fully captured by traditional models and methods. New stakeholders transferring technologies and knowledge from other industries are involved since the early stages of infrastructure development. The space infrastructure has t...
This article presents the dark side of projects, engaging project scholars and practitioners in discussions about sensitive, confusing, uncomfortable, challenging, and questionable phenomena, such as corruption, sexism, money laundering, modern slavery, waste of resources, and organizational politics. The dark side impacts people’s lives, questioni...
Policymakers are increasingly discussing the role of nuclear and renewable energy in replacing fossil-fuelled power generation, especially coal. In this debate, one of the key focuses is about the economic competitiveness of nuclear energy when compared to wind and solar. Remarkably, despite the growing interest, there is a lack of studies comparin...
There is extensive literature on top managers committing wrongdoing, but few studies examine white-collar wrongdoing. Drawing on the experiences of a professional service firm, we examine why and how engineering consultants normalize wrongdoing. Leveraging bounded rationality theory, we find that organizational myopia promotes inadequate administra...
A grand challenge in projects involves employing anti-corruption measures effectively for dealing with corruption. Existing research is scattered across a wide range of disciplines and thus understanding of the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in projects remains obscure. Focusing on construction projects, which are the most studied and af...
The emerging economies in Southeast Asia are facing challenges in achieving decarbonisation and energy resilience. Small modular reactors (SMRs) could represent a strategic option but are yet to be properly understood and communicated at the policy level, especially in terms of the favourable implications for energy security and economic and techni...
Purpose
Organizational citizenship behaviors for the environment (OCBEs) represent a crucial element of environmental sustainability for a wide range of organizations. However, the leadership mechanisms underlying OCBEs are as yet unexplored, particularly regarding the delivering megaprojects. The paper aims to investigate how transformational lead...
Evaluating the practicalities and economics of fusion power plants in the UK in 2040 and beyond
The Front-End process plays an essential role in deriving infrastructure megaprojects' performance. However, Front-End issues often negatively impact the process, hindering the value of infrastructure for society. This paper aims to systemise knowledge and understanding of the Front-End of infrastructure megaprojects, the main Front-End issues, and...
Polarized political debates can lead to infrastructure megaprojects in advanced stages of construction being left unfinished. Although this scenario is uncommon, there are relevant examples that negatively impact the economy and society. Despite their relevance, unfinished megaprojects are scarcely discussed in project studies. However, political e...
The vast majority of projects deals with the planning and delivery "front-end", i.e. the creation of new assets, goods and services, including building infrastructure, developing new drugs, coding software etc. However, more and more projects need to deal with their "back-ends", such as decommissioning infrastructure, withdrawing dangerous drugs fr...
s
Infrastructure megaprojects are characterised by huge investment, vast complexity in technical and organisational terms, and extensive innovation. Innovation outcomes have been extensively investigated at the owner/operator and project-based firm/supplier levels (both combined shortly named ‘firm-level’), with the project-level being far less stu...
The innovation literature on operations-based organisations describes the positive effect of Open Innovation (OI) on productivity. However, a systemic overview of how OI directly and indirectly impacts productivity is missing, particularly for project-based organisations. Hence, the article aims to fill this gap by providing a systemic representati...
There is a growing body of literature surrounding Circular Economy (CE) and energy infrastructure projects. However, most of this literature focuses on CE initiatives related to material recovering and recycling. The body of knowledge about reusing components is limited and mostly related to the need for reusing rather than providing solutions on h...
The world’s energy sector is undergoing a profound transition. This transition is driven by the need to expand access to clean energy in support of socio-economic development, especially in emerging economies, while at the same time limiting the impacts of climate change, pollution and other unfolding global environmental crises. Fundamentally this...
Purpose
Megaprojects present an intricated pattern of leadership activities, which evolve over their planning and delivery and comprises several stakeholders. A framework is useful to navigate this complexity; it allows to identify and cluster the key elements. This paper aims to introduce a novel framework based on boundary spanners to describe th...
Nuclear Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) can play a role in UK decarbonisation, providing low-carbon electricity and heat. SMR investments are more affordable and less risky, therefore attracting a wider range of potential investors. The UK government needs to develop a consistent strategy to support UK SMRs.
Nuclear Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) can play a role in UK decarbonisation, providing low-carbon electricity and heat. SMR investments are more affordable and less risky, therefore attracting a wider range of potential investors. The UK government needs to develop a consistent strategy to support UK SMRs.
A description of the economic and industrial potential features of small modular reactors (SMRs) was given in 2010 by the US Secretary of Energy. The goal of this chapter is to present the most relevant economic and competitive aspects related to the SMR concept.
Modern slavery involves the recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of people through any means for the purpose of exploitation. It is an extensive problem and one that causes immense human suffering. International Labour Organization figures suggest that there are 24 million victims of modern slavery or forced labour around the world at any...
Behavioral integration (BI), or the extent to which top management team (TMT) members engage in collective interactions, is a critical element for achieving business success in corporate management that has rarely been examined in megaproject studies. The organizational complexities of megaprojects contribute to biases in TMT's behavior. This study...
Existing project performance measures in the infrastructure sector focus on construction performance (time, cost, quality) and pay less attention to lifecycle performance. The consequence of this shortsighted perspective is that decisions taken early lead to poorer solutions. Infrastructure that should last centuries quickly becomes inadequate, lea...
New energy generation and storage systems are continuously being developed due to climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental laws. Some systems are incremental innovations of existing systems while others are radical innovations. Radical innovation systems are risky investments due to their relevant technical and economic uncertainties. P...
This paper explores the impacts of energy policies for supporting low-carbon infrastructure on the economic and financial performance of energy storage when coupled with a generator. The study sets in the UK context and the unit of analysis is the generator connected with energy storage. An analytical method is derived to assess the impact of polic...
There is a dearth of reliable cost data for urban sanitation. In the absence of high-quality global data, the full cost of sustainable implementation of urban sanitation remains uncertain. This paper proposes an approach for developing bespoke parametric cost estimation models for easy and reliable estimation of the costs of alternative sanitation...
Energy storage can store surplus electricity generation and provide power system flexibility. A Generation Integrated Energy Storage system (GIES) is a class of energy storage that stores energy at some point along with the transformation between the primary energy form and electricity. The investigation of the economic and financial merits of nove...
Driven by the demand for intermittent power generation, Energy Storage (ES) will be widely adopted in future electricity grids to provide flexibility and resilience. Technically, there are two classes of ES for storing low-carbon energy: Generation-Integrated Energy Storage (GIES) and non-GIES. GIES stores energy along with the transformation betwe...
Complex infrastructure projects often attract criticism regarding their short- and long-term performance. An effective development process requires thinking about both present and future requirements. We employed the lens of real options reasoning to investigate the power of verbal theorizing, without the aid of analytical modeling, to add flexibil...
There is a long-standing and growing interest in Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) mainly because of their potential advantages in terms of safety, sustainable fuel cycle, and the high melting and boiling points of salt which allow operations at high temperatures and atmospheric pressure with potential merits in terms of cost. A key objective of MSRs is...
Empirical research involving projects is an important and common way to advance knowledge in the energy sector, and there are well-established approaches for qualitative analysis of single or few cases (1–10 cases) as well as quantitative analysis of large databases (from 50+ cases). However, the “middle-ground” of analysing 10–50 cases is an unkno...
Megaprojects require substantial R&D activities involving many different organisations. Megaprojects are therefore an ideal setting for Open Innovation (OI), which favours risk-sharing, enables trustful collaboration, and facilitates the development of breakthrough innovations. OI has been widely studied at the organisational level, however far les...
Historically, project management research on infrastructure has mostly focused on its planning, design and construction. However, globally, more and more infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants, bridges, dams or oil rigs, are reaching their end-of-life and will soon need to be decommissioned. Decommissioning projects are long, complex and rang...