PDRI: Project Definition Rating Index -- Small Infrastructure Projects

PDRI–Small Infrastructure Projects use has proven that projects with a PDRI score <300 tend to perform better than those >300.

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

IR314a-2: PDRI—Small Infrastructure Projects​

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.

1. Macro-enabled Excel spreadsheet for assessment
2. Unweighted Project Score Sheet (Appendix A)
3. Weighted Project Score Sheet (Appendix B)
4. Element Descriptions (Appendix C)

Forty elements sufficiently define the scope of a small infrastructure project. These elements are organized into three main sections, each broken down into a series of categories and then elements.