Dods Research Report: The Politics of Projects in Westminster and Public Sector Initiatives

The Dods Research team is proud to unveil its latest report, commissioned by the Association for Project Management.

This report, titled “The Politics of Projects in Westminster and Public Sector Initiatives”, examines how political dynamics and stakeholder interests in Westminster shape major public infrastructure projects in the UK. Unlike standard project management challenges, public projects operate in a unique political realm with its own rules and power structures.

The study explores how formal decision-making and informal factors (such as individual political influence and a project’s regional importance) affect every stage from project planning to delivery. It draws on extensive literature, case studies, interviews, and a parliamentary survey to understand these influences and propose practical reforms. Ultimately, the report aims to improve how government handles the politics of projects, ensuring that vital infrastructure investments deliver their full value to the public.

The report identifies several recurring challenges in the political and managerial environment for major projects, grouped into four themes:

  1. Project Appraisal and Business Case
  2. Interactions with Westminster (Politics and Governance)
  3. Public Support and Stakeholder Engagement
  4. Project Delivery and Execution

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