How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner

About the Book

How Big Things Get Done is a game-changing guide that exposes the truth about why projects of all sizes—from personal renovations to billion-dollar infrastructure—regularly run over budget, past deadlines, and below expectations. Written by Oxford professor Bent Flyvbjerg, the world’s foremost authority on megaproject management, and bestselling author Dan Gardner, this book distills decades of data into practical wisdom anyone can apply. You’ll discover that success isn’t about charismatic leadership or detailed planning alone—it’s about understanding the surprising psychological and structural factors that derail even the best intentions.

From the Back Cover

“Nothing is more inspiring than a big vision that becomes a triumphant reality. Think of how the Empire State Building was constructed in sixteen months, and how Apple managed to produce the iPhone. These are wonderful stories. But most of the time, big visions turn into nightmares.”

About the Author

Bent Flyvbjerg is the first BT Professor and Chair of Major Programme Management at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. His research has influenced infrastructure projects worldwide, from high-speed rail systems to Olympic Games planning. Dan Gardner is an internationally bestselling author known for making complex research accessible and engaging. Together, they’ve created an essential handbook that bridges academic rigor with real-world application, making expert knowledge available to everyone from entrepreneurs to homeowners.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is perfect for business leaders, project managers, entrepreneurs, and anyone planning a significant undertaking in their professional or personal life. If you’ve ever wondered why renovations take twice as long as promised, why tech startups burn through funding, or why public infrastructure projects spiral out of control, you need this book. It’s equally valuable for students of business, policy makers, and curious readers who want to understand the hidden dynamics that shape our built environment and organizational success.

What You’ll Learn From This Book

Readers will gain a proven framework for thinking slow and acting fast—the counterintuitive approach that separates successful projects from disasters. You’ll learn to spot red flags early, build the right team, leverage modularity and experimentation, and avoid the “uniqueness bias” that convinces us our project will be different. Through compelling stories ranging from Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Bilbao to the Sydney Opera House catastrophe, you’ll internalize lessons that can save you time, money, and stress on your next venture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the main message of How Big Things Get Done?
A: The book reveals that successful projects share a common pattern: extensive planning upfront (“think slow”) followed by rapid, focused execution (“act fast”). Most failures come from rushing into action without adequate preparation or understanding proven success factors.

Q: Is this book only for large-scale business projects?
A: No. While it draws on megaproject research, the principles apply to projects of any size—from home renovations and wedding planning to startup launches and career transitions. The lessons are universal and immediately actionable.

Q: Who should read How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg?
A: Anyone managing or planning a project will benefit—business executives, project managers, entrepreneurs, consultants, students, and even homeowners. If you want your next project to finish on time and on budget, this book is essential reading.

Q: What makes this project management book different from others?
A: Unlike books based on anecdotes or theory, this one is grounded in the world’s largest database of project outcomes—thousands of real cases analyzed over decades. You’re getting evidence-based strategies, not just opinions or motivational stories.

Q: How long does it take to read How Big Things Get Done?
A: The paperback is approximately 280 pages and most readers complete it in 6-8 hours. The writing is clear and engaging, filled with fascinating stories that make the research come alive. Many readers find it difficult to put down.

Ready to transform how you approach your next project? Order your copy of How Big Things Get Done today and discover the surprising factors that determine success.