For students - Concept
Are you a student interested in project governance?
Are you a student interested in project governance?
The Concept research program is looking to connect with master’s students who want to explore large public investment projects!
We collect and analyze data on major public investment projects that have gone through the Norwegian State’s project model. The Concept program is funded by the Ministry of Finance and serves as an academic advisor in the development of the State’s project model.
We offer:
- Access to unique empirical data
- Exciting thesis topics based on real-world challenges
- A network of experts
- The possibility of financial support for travel expenses
- Opportunities for publication and visibility in research communities
The Concept program develops knowledge about the life cycle of investment projects, from idea to implementation, with a focus on the early phase. The program covers disciplines such as project management, economics, social sciences, and more.
Below are some examples of key research questions, though other questions are also welcome:
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Needs and societal benefits: Why should an investment be made? What is the best project concept?
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Investment decisions: Are projects approved based on sufficient and accurate information?
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Politics and governance: What political considerations underlie investment decisions? What role do governance and politics play in these decisions?
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Project planning and implementation: Are projects planned and executed efficiently?
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Impacts: Did the investments deliver the expected benefits to society?
We are open to other relevant topics and questions related to public investments. The program spans several academic fields, including economics, social sciences, civil engineering, physical planning, and many more. We are an interdisciplinary research program with a wide network of contacts in public agencies, consultancy environments, and industry.
We collaborate with several departments at NTNU, with the most central being:
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management
- Department of Economics
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
- Institutt for arkitektur og planlegging
Below is a note with more information about being a student affiliated with Concept, and it also suggests a range of possible paper topics. (The note is in Norwegian only).
See also examples of earlier project reports and Master theses written by Concept students
For more information, contact one of the contact persons listed under Contact or:
Gro Holst Volden, gro.holst.volden@ntnu.no
Programme Director in Concept