In the lecture critical success factors in high
technology projects will be examined by comparing the Square Kilometre Array,
the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor and the Reactor Conversion Project in the
context of a historical view of South African technology policy. These three
complex endeavours illustrate rather well what mistakes can be made in the
conceptualising and in the execution of such projects. The conclusion is that
the confluence of a range of diverse factors such as sufficient prototyping,
understanding and balancing political stakeholders, getting the organisational
culture right and managing ambitions and aspirations is necessary for success
to be achieved.
