The Department of Civil Engineering at KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology organized an expert talk on "Mastering Mega Project – A Techno-Economic Case Study on the Project Management of the Hoover Dam" on the 3rd of October, 2024. The event was held in the esteemed Thanam Hall from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and featured Dr. Sarvesh Swarup, Deputy Director General in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, as the resource person.
The session commenced with a warm welcome by Dr.G.Anusha ,Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, KPRIET. In her welcome address, she highlighted the importance of studying mega projects and how the case study of the Hoover Dam serves as a perfect example of both engineering excellence and effective project management. She extended gratitude to Dr. Swarup for taking time from his busy schedule to share his valuable insights with the students and faculty.
Dr. Sarvesh Swarup, a seasoned engineer, government official, and an academic, delivered the keynote address. His talk focused on the multifaceted aspects of the Hoover Dam’s construction, addressing the intricate balance of engineering, economic planning, and project management that enabled this monumental achievement. He drew parallels between the challenges faced during the construction of the dam and modern-day mega projects, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, risk management, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Swarup's vast experience in government procurement and his academic contributions brought a unique techno-economic perspective to the discussion. He explained how the Hoover Dam stands as a testament to innovation, perseverance, and leadership in project management, offering valuable lessons for today’s civil engineers and project managers.
1.Project Planning and Execution: Dr. Swarup detailed the critical phases of planning and execution in large-scale infrastructure projects, using the Hoover Dam as a case study.
2. Risk Management : He emphasized the need for risk anticipation and mitigation strategies, especially in projects of this magnitude.
3. Techno-Economic Insights: The integration of technological innovation with economic feasibility was a major focus, with Dr. Swarup providing insights into how both engineering and financial aspects were harmonized in the Hoover Dam project.
4. Lessons for Future Engineers: Dr. Swarup encouraged students to study mega projects like the Hoover Dam to understand how they can apply these lessons in their future careers, stressing the need for leadership, collaboration, and adaptability.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session where students and faculty had the opportunity to interact directly with Dr. Swarup. Questions ranged from the technical challenges of the Hoover Dam project to broader questions on managing mega projects in the current global economic scenario.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr.Rajeshkumar, Assistant professor,Department of Civil Engineering. The speaker expressed gratitude to Dr. Swarup for his time and valuable insights, to the organizing committee for their efforts, and to the students for their enthusiastic participation.
The expert talk was a great success, providing the attendees with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in managing mega projects. The event not only enriched the students' knowledge but also inspired them to approach engineering projects with a holistic perspective that integrates technology and economics.
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