PDRI: Project Definition Rating Index -- Small Infrastructure Projects
Welcome to the PDRI: Project Definition Rating Index – Small Infrastructure Projects. CII Research Team (RT) 314a, PDRI–Small Infrastructure Projects, developed this resource to address a critical industry need. 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 infrastructure projects, whether they involve new construction, renovation/revamp, or both. This book complements Implementation Resource (IR) 268-2, PDRI–Infrastructure Projects, which was developed specifically to assess the scope definition of large, complex infrastructure projects. Two other PDRI tools also focus on large, complex projects: IR155-2, PDRI–Building Projects, and IR113-2, PDRI–Industrial Projects. One other PDRI tool focuses on small projects: IR314-2, PDRI–Small Industrial Projects. (Note that at publication, no small-project PDRI version exists for the building sector.)
Past work by CII, published in 1991 and 2003, described the difficulty of defining the term “small project.” The RT-314a research investigation defined small projects as those generally valued at less than $20 million (U.S. dollars) in expenditure, with construction durations of between six and 12 months, and of less overall complexity than large projects, based on several indicators; yet these projects annually comprise more than half of all completed projects by number in most organizations’ portfolios.
In addition to producing this publication, the team created a macro-enabled spreadsheet to help project teams assess their projects. This Excel-based file is available as a download.
Employ the PDRI at optimal times based on project size, complexity, and duration.
PDRI Early Review – high level assessment of the project following feasibility, typically at the initial kick-off meeting. PDRI Section I, 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
The Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) is a powerful, easy-to-use tool that identifies and precisely describes each critical element in a scope definition package. It also enables project teams to identify quickly the project risk factors related to desired outcomes for cost, schedule, and operating performance. By using the PDRI method, teams can capture mitigation action items and evaluate the completeness of scope definition at any point prior to detailed design and construction.
- Macro-enabled Excel spreadsheet for assessment
- Unweighted Project Score Sheet (Appendix A)
- Weighted Project Score Sheet (Appendix B)
- Element Descriptions (Appendix C)
