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 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 projects and for facilities that resulted from CFI-funded projects.
Contact:
Jill Taylor
Manager, Institutional Programs
Office of Research Services
Telephone: 250 853-3847
Email: cfimanager [at] uvic.ca
The Hospital for Sick Children
The Research Capital and Renovation Committee at the Hospital for Sick Children performs quarterly capital budget reviews. These provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to review the progress of various construction or renovation projects, including large or complex projects, and discuss issues (e.g., cost increases, delays, technical issues).
In addition, various management and oversight committees have been created for large or complex initiatives. A good example is the SickKids Child Health Research Institute funded under the Research Hospital Fund, where a separate governance structure was put in place involving the creation of steering, equipment, procurement and operations committees.
Contact:
Belinda Potter
Senior Controller, Research Awards and Financial Services
Telephone: 416 813-7431
Email: belinda.potter [at] sickkids.ca
Related topics
Timely project implementation
Oversight for expenditure eligibility and infrastructure changes