Validation of the Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) for MIT building projects

Abstract

The thesis presents the work performed to validate the managerial tool called Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI). An improved methodology is presented. This new methodology produces much better linear correlation results between PDRI scores and Cost performance of the projects (R² = 0.957) than previous validation efforts. The projects used for validation purposes have been developed by MIT for its Capital Project effort that started officially in the year 2000. While the results are recommended to be applied to future MIT projects, the author explains how the PDRI works thus facilitating future validation tasks. In the process, the author proposes a modified version of the weights of the PDRI scoring sheet that better adjusts to the definition principles of the tool.