The preliminary phase of complex transformation plans, comparing the Italian and the UK approach

The preliminary phase of complex transformation plans is a very crucial moment, during which several competences have to analyze uncertainties and risks associated with the project and to define important strategic managements as well as concrete solutions. During this phase many and different kind of decisions are to be taken: initially (strategic planning) it is absolutely necessary to structure the design brief, fundamental to clarify clients ñ public or private ñ needs and to define concretely the developmental strategies for the project. Therefore, in a second moment (tactical-operating planning) it is necessary to translate the design brief into practical aspects, pointing out the operational modes required to realize the project, scheduling the pre-construction and construction phases, establishing administrative procedures and identifying roles and responsibilities within the project team. Every country has its own specific procedures and laws that regulate the tactical-operating planning, specifying the phases of process to follow, the necessary professional roles and the types of contract to subscribe in order to realize the project or to supply services. Which are the most crucial phases of the process of the project? Which the most leading roles within the project team? In fact, analyzing the foremost factors that contribute to the project success, it is fundamental consider the importance of every single role involved ñ client, design manager, project manager, contractors, sub-contractors, etc. ñ and their coordination. A rational and correct partitioning of roles and responsibilities guarantees efficiency and often higher qualitative standards. Comparing the Italian and the UK approach, it is possible to underline some differences related to the setting of the projects preliminary phase, analyzing both the procedures and the project team management. The aim of the present paper is to compare the Italian and the UK practices, in order to underline the aspects that could improve the Italian approach during the strategic and tactical-operating planning of complex transformation plans.