Prioritization of capital projects

Abstract

Public works capital projects in the U.S. naval forces are not prioritized and funded in a way that best uses limited operations resources and maintenance dollars. This thesis develops a linear model for public works commands to effectively prioritize and fund capital projects. This model allows each command to set its own criteria and weightings which are then used to score and rank capital projects. Using objective criteria, it seamlessly integrates new projects with existing projects into a command's Integrated Project List. The time formerly needed to manually rank each new project against all other projects is saved. Moreover, a command is able to keep a complete and comprehensive list of all unfunded capital projects. The subjectivity inherent in manual project priority decisions is removed. Ways to use existing computer systems in public works commands through Annual Inspection Summary reports are explored. The project decision process was studied through interviews conducted in commands at varying levels of the public works hierarchy. The linear model for project prioritization was developed in Excel. A spreadsheet sample of the linear model and detailed step-by-step instructions for its construction are available upon request from the author. Suggestions are made for further development of the project prioritization process.