Article

Additional oversight for large or complex projects

The risks associated with CFI-funded projects can vary greatly from one project to another. Large or complex projects often require additional…

The risks associated with CFI-funded projects can vary greatly from one project to another. Large or complex projects often require additional oversight to ensure that budgets, timelines, scope and issues are properly managed. Several institutions use a risk-based approach to guide their management and oversight activities and have dedicated management resources or committees assigned to these projects.

Here's how some institutions have implemented these practices.

University of Victoria

During the proposal development stage, a risk assessment is created for each project at the University of Victoria. The risk assessments are updated throughout the approvals and finalization processes and identified risks are carried into the project plans once the award agreement is signed.

During project implementation, the university may choose to undertake regular site visits for large or complex projects. The visits allow for continued discussions with project leaders and their teams on the implementation status of these projects. The site visits have been conducted regularly by representatives of Research Services, Research Accounting, Purchasing and other departments, as appropriate. For larger, more complex projects that are determined to carry higher risks, the university may create formal management and/or scientific committees to help guide the projects and to address ongoing issues once infrastructure is operational. These committees have been created for projects such as the Advanced Rare Isotope Laboratory and for facilities that resulted from CFI-funded projects.

Contact:

Manjindcer Cheema

Manager, Institutional Programs
Office of Research Services
Phone: 250-721-6096
Email: cfimanager [at] uvic.ca (mscheema[at]uvic[dot]ca)

 

Related topics

Timely project implementation
Oversight for expenditure eligibility and infrastructure changes