PDRI: Project Definition Rating Index -- Small Industrial Projects
Welcome to the first edition of the PDRI: Project Definition Rating Index – Small Industrial Projects. CII Research Team 314, PDRI–Small Industrial Projects, developed this resource to address a critical industry need. Past work by CII, published in 1991 and 2003, described the difficulty of defining the term “small project.” The RT 314 research investigation defined small projects as those generally valued at less than $10 million (U.S. dollars) in expenditure, with construction durations of between three and six months, and of less overall complexity than large projects, based on several indicators; these projects annually comprise more than 70 percent of all completed projects by number in most organizations’ portfolios. In addition to producing this publication, the team created a macroenabled spreadsheet to help project teams assess their projects. This Excel-based file is available as a download or on CD.
With this publication, CII has filled a gap in its front end planning body of knowledge. This document and the Excel-based tool will help project teams develop scope definition on small industrial projects, whether they involve new construction or renovation. It is complementary to CII Implementation Resource (IR) 113-2, PDRI–Industrial Projects, which was developed specifically to assess the scope definition of large, complex industrial projects. Two other PDRI tools also focus on large, complex projects. They include IR 155-2, PDRI–Building Projects, and IR 268-2, PDRI–Infrastructure Projects. (Note that at publication, no small-project PDRI versions exist for the building or infrastructure sectors.)
The PDRI-Small Industrial Projects offers a comprehensive checklist of 41 scope elements in a score sheet format. Each element is weighted based on its relative risk and importance to the other elements, illuminating areas that need further work for a successful project.
These elements are organized into three main sections, each broken down into a series of categories (8), and then elements (41). (IR314-2, p. 9)Employing the PDRI at optimum times based on project size, complexity, and duration supports improved project performance. (IR314-2, p. 19)
PDRI Early Review – High level assessment of the project following feasibility, typically at the initial kick-off meeting. PDRI Section, Basis of Decision, should be well defined. FOCUS: Align team around project objectives, communication and stakeholder expectations. Typical PDRI score: 400-800
PDRI Final Review – Final assessment of the project, at the end of front end planning. The project team has identified risk issues and is developing or has put mitigation plans in place. Typical PDRI Score: 150-400, with a target of 300 or below.
IR314-2, PDRI – Small Industrial Projects
It is a powerful, easy-to-use tool for measuring the degree of scope development.It identifies and describes each critical element in a scope definition package for a small industrial project. It enables project teams to identify project risk factors related to desired outcomes for cost, schedule, and operating performance. Also captures mitigation action items and evaluates the completeness of scope definition at any point prior to detailed design and construction.
Resource includes:
- Macro enabled excel spreadsheet for assessment
- Unweighted Project Score Sheet (Appendix A)
- Weighted Project Score Sheet (Appendix B)
- Element Descriptions (Appendix C)
