The Challenge of Major Projects is a highly-valued, interactive programme which has been running annually since 1986. The programme is modified every year to maintain its relevance to current practice.
The programme uses case studies based on real projects which have proved especially challenging to management, providing an opportunity to explore both the detailed workings as well as the basic principles of the initiation, management and delivery of major projects.
Find out all about the Challenge of Major Projects and how to book on the course below. View the full 2026 programme here.
About Challenge of Major Projects
What does the programme offer?
The Challenge of Major Projects is a unique programme offering a stimulating opportunity for senior leaders confronting the demands of larger or more complex projects to explore the factors affecting success. Special attention is given to studying the success and failure of projects from the different perspectives of owners, contractors and others. It particularly concentrates on pressures and tasks in the early phases of projects and studies policy and strategic issues for successful major project development.
“They all provided a great wealth of experience and excellent engagement with everyone on the course.”
“I have absolutely loved the programme; I really feel like it has helped me in some key areas already and no doubt it has been beneficial to support my career progression.”
Who is the programme for?
This programme is for those with experience of larger projects and provides a broad view of the strategic issues involved in initiation and delivery of major projects.
If you have just been appointed to a senior leadership role (or are just about to be appointed) then this programme is for you, whether that is project/programme director, commercial director, engineering director or any other pinnacle role on a major project.
Ideal delegates may include:
- Experienced people working in defence, construction or information technology-based projects, whether as promoters, government, financiers, lawyers, consultants, manufacturers, contractors or others.
- Senior managers working in the feasibility, design and early implementation stages of projects.
- Those financially responsible for their company’s involvement in major projects.
- Those wishing to understand better the strategic issues of project definition, financial arrangements and organisation.
The aims of the programme
The techniques used in the Challenge of Major Projects are varied but the underlying aims are simple: to draw on actual experience and expertise in the conduct of major projects as widely as possible, and to maintain active participation and collaboration from the delegates.
Key components running through the week are:
• How can the objectives, benefits and constraints of a project be best understood?
• What are the different strategies available to realise them and how is the most appropriate one chosen?
• How are projects and programmes best organised and controlled?
The programme is highly interactive and intensive. Participants learn as much from each other as they do from the programme faculty. All sessions are led by eminent contributors from industry, commerce and academia. The programme draws on significant case studies and the experience of delegates themselves.
Opportunities are provided for participants to present to their peers the projects that they are currently working on in order to share ideas and potential improvements.
“It was a great networking opportunity, with fantastic presentations from senior leaders across the major projects industry.”
“Very informative, well prepared and engaging course.”
The format of the programme
The Challenge of Major Projects is an intensive 4-part programme, both face to face and online, delivered over four months.
The programme tackles a broad range of challenges associated with delivering successful major projects.
This course differs from conventional development offerings by combining presentations from senior leaders who have real-life experience, dinner discussions with chief executives of major project organisations, a panel discussion with industry experts, interactive case studies and group exercises.
Delegates will learn as much from each other as from the speakers and by the end of the programme they will have developed a cross-sectoral network which will support them throughout the rest of their career.
It covers topics including:
• Project finance and funding
• Major project risks
• Stakeholder risk engagement
• Personal leadership styles in major projects
• Managing conflicts
• Wellbeing and resilience
• Collaboration and co-owned projects
• Project data analytics
• Client delivery models
• Project governance and assurance
At the end of the course delegates will:
• have experienced all key aspects of the initiation and delivery of major projects
• have forged strong links with their peers in different types of projects
• heard some of the most senior figures in the industry
• be better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
“The course was very well structured, varied topics and good quality speakers. I found the sessions valuable and would definitely recommend the course to others in the future.”
Presentations and workshops
The course includes presentations from senior project leaders working on current major projects and interactive workshops led by eminent contributors from industry, commerce and academia. Key topics include:
- Lessons from Project Failures
- People and Culture
- Building a Successful Major Project Organisation
- Major Project Governance
- Navigating an Uncertain Major Projects World
Challenge of Major Projects 2027
When does Challenge of Major Projects 2027 take place?
The dates for next year can be found below. Delegates must complete all 4 parts to complete the course.
Part 1
Tuesday 16 – Wednesday 17 March 2027 (Birmingham)
Part 2
Monday 12, Monday 19 and Monday 26 April 2027 (Virtual)
Part 3
Tuesday 11 – Wednesday 12 May 2027 (Birmingham)
Part 4
Monday 24 May 2027 (Virtual)
How to book
Member organisations are invited to nominate two delegates from within their organisation on a first come first serve basis.
Additional spaces may be offered if available.
To reserve a space, please email ashleigh.walsh@majorprojects.org, at which point you will be sent a link for a registration form (please note, this event is not bookable via our website).
Nominations must come from or have been agreed by your organisation’s Main Rep.
If you are interested in nominating someone to attend this event, or have any questions, please contact Ashleigh Walsh via mpa@majorprojects.org.
Cost of the programme
Early Bird Offer (ending October 2026): £4,995
• Members: £5,750
• Non-Members: £6,280
The cost of the programme is inclusive of meals, accommodation and programme materials. The fee is payable at the time of booking.
Dr Martin Barnes CMP Bursary
In honour of Dr Martin Barnes – who was our Executive Director from 1997 – 2006 – we have established a bursary fund for the CMP course. This will enable someone who may not otherwise have the chance to join the 4-part course which runs from January each year. This might be someone who works for a small organisation which does not have the funds for the course fee or it maybe someone working for a non-member company which is undertaking a one-off major project.
• The fund is open to members and non-members of the Association.
• The value of the bursary is up to £5,250 (we would expect a contribution in the region of £500).
• The successful candidate will be chosen by the Studies and Knowledge Committee on 14 December and will be informed in writing shortly after that date.
• The deadline for applications for the 2027 course is 27 November 2026.
If you are interested in applying, please write to Ashleigh Walsh via mpa@majorprojects.org enclosing your CV and a covering letter setting out why you feel you would benefit from joining the course and why the bursary scheme would be your only route.
Please note that if you are from a member company we will share your application with your main point of contact to seek their support.
Questions?
If you are interested in nominating someone to attend this event, or have any questions, please contact Ashleigh Walsh via mpa@majorprojects.org.
Further information
The Challenge of Major Projects is part of our suite of Professional Development opportunities to respond to the needs of people working at different stages in their careers. Watch our video to find out more about our programmes.
A list of recommended resources for topics and themes discussed throughout the programme can be found here.