Project Governance in a Norwegian Municipality

Project governance is crucial for the success of projects as it balances benefits, costs, and time. This study examines governance practices in a school project through Halsen Primary School. As the lean philosophy gains traction in project management, this paper explores project governance through the lens of lean construction. The research identifies key tools: clear organizational frameworks, strategic contractor selection, robust risk management, and building trust. While collaborative contracting enhanced cooperation and flexibility, it revealed gaps in accountability, potentially leading to cost overruns. This necessitates the establishment of a clear project owner role, the strengthening of value-focused risk management, and the tailoring of strategies to project-specific contexts. Early user and contractor involvement was crucial for efficiency and long-term benefits. These findings offer actionable insights and a foundation for improving project governance in public projects.